San José Mineta International Airport Ready for REAL ID Implementation

REAL ID or passport required for domestic travel starting May 7, 2025
 

San José, Calif. – Travelers flying through US airports, including San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), will require a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport or passport card) to fly within the United States starting next week.

On May 7, TSA will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID at TSA security checkpoints. TSA has stated that noncitizens illegally present in the U.S. who are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under this requirement.

SJC partnered with the TSA and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to communicate this impending change to travelers beginning in 2023, including installation of signage: 

• At ticket counters
• At airline check-in queues
• At security queues 

… In addition to social media posts, articles in The SJC Flyer monthly email newsletter and notices on SJC’s website.

TSA and SJC are adding additional staffing to minimize wait times at checkpoint queues and to prepare for customers who are not Real ID compliant.

Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint. TSA will not accept paperwork from the DMV showing that a REAL ID is in process.

The California DMV has announced it is extending its office hours on Saturday, May 3 to help more people get a compliant ID in time. The following Bay Area DMV offices will open by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 3:

• Concord (2070 Diamond Blvd.)
• Oakland (5300 Claremont Ave.)
• San Jose (111 W. Alma Ave.)

SJC has compiled a simple, step-by-step guide to help travelers through the process. 

More information on REAL ID can be found at TSA.gov/real-id.