If you’re planning to fly in 2026 without a Real ID, you might end up paying extra. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that, beginning Feb. 1, travelers who show up to the airport without a Real ID or a valid passport will face a new identity verification fee of $45. This option replaces an earlier proposed $18 fee and still requires a separate biometric scan to validate a traveler’s identity.
Obtaining a Real ID is straightforward in most states, especially if you’re renewing a driver’s license. However, if it’s been a while since you’ve visited the DMV or you’re unsure of your current status, it’s worth double-checking. Use the interactive map below to find your state’s requirements and ensure you’re ready to fly without extra fees or delays.
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What is a Real ID, and how do I know if I have one?
Real ID is an enhanced version of a typical state driver’s license or identification card. The new standards were outlined in the Real ID Act of 2005, as a means of helping authorities thwart terrorism and identity fraud.
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All 50 states and the District of Columbia now comply with Real ID standards, according to the Department of Homeland Security. If you recently renewed your driver’s license or identification card, it’s likely already compliant. If you haven’t updated it in a few years, you’ll likely need to do so.
You can tell by looking at your license: If there’s a gold, black or white star in the upper-right corner, you have a Real ID. (There are some minor variations — California places a white star over the state’s bear logo, while Maine puts it in an outline of the state.)
What happens if I still don’t have a Real ID?
As of May 7, the TSA and other federal agencies accept only Real ID-approved licenses and identification cards “for purposes of accessing federal facilities,” according to DHS.
If you’re a US adult without a Real ID, you’ll need to present a valid passport at airport security checkpoints, even when flying domestically. You can also show one of these other forms of ID instead:
For now, you can still board domestic flights with a driver’s license or identification card that isn’t Real ID-compliant.
Not having a Real ID-compliant license won’t affect other uses of your driver’s license, including verifying your ability to operate a vehicle or purchase alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state?
You can obtain a Real ID from the same state agency that issues your driver’s license. The process typically requires paperwork, including proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number, and multiple proofs of your current address.
You’ll need to provide originals or hard copies of documentation, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card or US passport — photocopies and screenshots are not accepted. Check your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for more specifics.
After you apply, you’ll receive a temporary paper ID. You should receive your Real ID-approved license in the mail about three or four weeks later.
With some exceptions, the cost of getting a Real ID-compliant license is the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card.
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