San Diego International Airport (SAN) advises passengers to arrive early, beginning on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification or driver’s license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification for passengers over 18 years old before boarding a U.S. commercial aircraft.

“We encourage passengers to plan ahead if they intend to fly out of SAN on May 7 and bring proper identification,” said Kimberly Becker, President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “More than 40,000 passengers depart from SAN each day and with the beginning of REAL ID enforcement we anticipate possible delays. To ensure a smooth experience through SAN, we advise travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights.”

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will have extra staff on duty in the terminals on May 7 to help address traveler concerns.

To determine if a California driver’s license is Real ID compliant, look for a golden bear with a star in the top right corner. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID or you’d like to apply to get a REAL ID, check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

A full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license, can be found on TSA’s website. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards including a Global Entry; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID cards issued by any federally recognized tribe; and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. 

Once enforcement begins, passengers who do not present REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.

Signs are currently posted at checkpoints in both Terminal 1 and 2 at SAN that remind the traveling public of REAL ID requirements for commercial air travel.  More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id. 

ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)

Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1’s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.

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