IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Starting May 7, passengers at Ontario International Airport will be required to have a state-issued REAL-ID driver’s license, or a REAL-ID state identification, in order to board a U.S. commercial flight.
That requirement, mandated by the Transportation Security Administration, applies to all travelers 18 years old or older nationwide, according to a statement on the airport’s website.
Anyone without a REAL-ID may experience delays, more screenings, or may not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
“We want to ensure that our passengers are fully prepared and experience no disruptions in their travel plans,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority, in the statement. “This is an important milestone in aviation security, and we’re here to help our community navigate the transition.”
Ontario’s ONT+ digital visitor pass program, which allows non-ticketed guests access to post-security areas, will be suspended for a few days to help with that transition. ONT+ visitors are subject to the same ID requirements as passengers.
In California, a REAL ID driver’s license has a golden bear with a star in the top right corner.
Other acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport or passport card, a Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card, active duty or retired military identification, tribal-issued identification and Transportation Worker Identification Credentials, according to the statement.
