“If you already have a current U.S. passport or don’t need to fly within the U.S. in the next few months, you can wait to get your Real ID until you renew your California driver’s license or ID,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon mandate that individuals present a federally approved document, such as a passport or a Real ID driver's license, for domestic air travel.

What will airports look like beginning Wednesday, May 7, when the Transportation Security Administration starts demanding adult passengers flash federally accepted identification to jump aboard domestic flights?

The long-awaited REAL ID deadline will be here on May 7. Starting then, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification – such as a passport – to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

The long-awaited REAL ID deadline will be here on May 7. Starting then, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification – such as a passport – to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

A Real ID, passport or other federally recognized document will be required starting next week for domestic flights. Good luck booking an appointment.