Californians Beware (RealID)
Jan 26, 2021, 10:55 am
#31
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Jan 26, 2021, 10:55 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,353
I just got mine in CA. Nowhere on the new license/Real ID does it say "REAL ID" I'm wondering if I'm in another state and trying to go through security...to them it will look like a regular driver's license. They won't know that the Bear symbol means it is a REAL ID. So I imagine they'll swipe it through a machine. But with my wallet, the magnetic strips always get damaged or rubbed/scratched off. So I may be back to carrying my passport for even basic domestic flights.
In CA non-RealID licenses say "Federal Limits Apply" in that space, but of course older DLs don't have that (that corner is empty on mine). These days licenses are a lot more standardized (card style and security, how under-21 is indicated, etc) so should be pretty easy for anyone looking at it to accept; I remember long ago bars in some states not accepting licenses from other states because every one was a different form of laminated typed thing.
Last edited by jmastron; Jan 26, 2021 at 10:56 am Reason: Didn't mean to run afoul with an inappropriate term for butt!
Jan 26, 2021, 12:04 pm
#34
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
The bear has a star on its butt -- I believe that star is the key RealID indicator, with states having different designs/colors/outlines surrounding it. I guarantee any TSA agent is going to know what symbols are valid, especially the star-in-a-bear-rear... from the most populous state.
In CA non-RealID licenses say "Federal Limits Apply" in that space, but of course older DLs don't have that (that corner is empty on mine). These days licenses are a lot more standardized (card style and security, how under-21 is indicated, etc) so should be pretty easy for anyone looking at it to accept; I remember long ago bars in some states not accepting licenses from other states because every one was a different form of laminated typed thing.
In CA non-RealID licenses say "Federal Limits Apply" in that space, but of course older DLs don't have that (that corner is empty on mine). These days licenses are a lot more standardized (card style and security, how under-21 is indicated, etc) so should be pretty easy for anyone looking at it to accept; I remember long ago bars in some states not accepting licenses from other states because every one was a different form of laminated typed thing.