Transportation Security Administration requires Real ID for domestic flights starting May 7; San Diego International Airport advises early arrival to avoid delays

May 6, 2025 (CE Noticias Financieras) –

San Diego, California . - The new identification cards in the United States called "Real Id" will begin to be requested at airports in the neighboring country as of May 7 .

Authorities at San Diego International Airport (SAN) recommended travelers to arrive early for their flights and be prepared for the request of the new document required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The new IDs issued by each state's state government such as the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be required for all passengers 18 years of age or older to travel on any commercial flight in the United States .

For foreign travelers, other forms of identification on commercial flights within the United States include a tourist visa or border crossing card or a passport from their country of origin.

You may be interested in: New art exhibit opens at San Diego International Airport

According to TSA information, trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri or Fast, can also be used as identification for travelers on U.S. domestic flights.

We encourage passengers to plan ahead if they plan to fly from SAN on May 7 , and to bring a valid ID," said Kimberly Becker , president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority .

Becker reported that more than 40,000 passengers depart SAN each day, and with the start of Real Id enforcement, potential delays are expected.

"To ensure a smooth experience at SAN, we recommend travelers arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights," Becker added.