Don’t Have a REAL ID Yet? Brace Yourself for a $45 Fee Starting February
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers in the United States will need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights or pay a $45 fee. This measure, enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), follows the mandatory compliance with the REAL ID initiative introduced in May 2025. The REAL ID Act, initiated in 2005, aims to enhance security standards for state-issued identification, a recommendation stemmed from the 9/11 Commission report.
Currently, approximately 94% of passengers passing through TSA checkpoints possess a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an equivalent form of identification, such as a passport. This leaves about 6% of travelers in need of compliance before taking to the skies. For those falling into this category, the TSA has introduced the ConfirmID online system. Travelers can access this platform to input their details and pay the $45 fee, designed to simplify and expedite the verification process at airports.
The system requires travelers without a REAL ID to complete an online form with their name and travel start date, after which they pay the specified fee. Upon payment, a receipt is generated, which they must bring to the airport. There, TSA officials will cross-reference the receipt with a government-issued ID to verify and allow passage through security checkpoints. This process, while streamlined, may take between 10 to 15 minutes on average, potentially extending up to 30 minutes or more during peak times or due to procedural complexity.
Identifying a REAL ID can be straightforward — most compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards display a star or, in states like California, a golden bear, on the front. Travelers unsure about their ID status can refer to their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State offices for clarification and guidance.
For individuals consistently flying without a REAL ID, the $45 fee lasts 10 days from the initial travel date entered into the ConfirmID system, allowing multiple flights within that period without incurring additional charges. Beyond this window, another fee would be required for continued non-compliance.
Several alternatives to a REAL ID exist for air travelers, including valid passports, military IDs, and other forms of government-issued identifications, such as DHS Trusted Traveler cards or permanent resident cards. A comprehensive list of acceptable IDs is available on the TSA’s website, providing detailed guidance for affected passengers.
For minors under 18, no REAL ID is required for domestic flights, maintaining the existing travel regulations for children. As part of the identity verification, adults at the TSA checkpoint should be prepared to provide their legal name, address, and date of birth. While there is an option to pay the fee at the airport, the TSA recommends completing the process online to avoid delays and further complications during travel.
As this change approaches, travelers are urged to secure their REAL ID-compliant identification to ensure smooth transit through security and avoid the newly instated fee. A visit to local DMVs or Secretary of State offices will provide opportunities to obtain these necessary credentials, adding an essential item to the pre-flight checklist for U.S. travelers starting February.
