At a Glance
- A $45 identity-verification fee will apply to anyone flying domestically without a Real ID.
- The fee takes effect on Feb. 1, 2026.
- Travelers must also undergo a biometric scan and may face a $5 surcharge.
- All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, marked with a star in the upper-right corner.
- If you lack a Real ID, a passport or other approved ID is required for domestic travel.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that starting Feb. 1, 2026, domestic travelers who do not possess a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification card will be subject to a $45 fee and a mandatory biometric scan. In addition, the TSA will impose a $5 surcharge on those who choose to use a non-Real ID license. These changes come as the TSA seeks to enforce the Real ID Act of 2005, which requires enhanced security features on state-issued identification.
What Is a Real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced version of a typical state driver’s license or identification card. It was created to help authorities thwart terrorism and identity fraud. The new standards were outlined in the Real ID Act of 2005 and are now fully implemented across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A Real ID-approved license is distinguished by a small star-gold, black, or white-placed in the upper-right corner of the card. The star’s exact position can vary by state: for example, California places a white star over the state’s bear logo, while Maine shows it in an outline of the state.
If you recently renewed your driver’s license or ID, it is likely already compliant. However, if you haven’t updated it in several years, you will need to apply for a new Real ID.
How the New Fee Works
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the TSA will enforce the following:
- $45 identity-verification fee for travelers without a Real ID.
- Mandatory biometric scan at the security checkpoint.
- $5 surcharge for those who opt to use a non-Real ID license.
These fees are separate from the standard security fee and are charged each time a traveler boards a domestic flight. The TSA’s decision to increase the penalty from the originally floated $18 fee to $45 reflects its intent to encourage travelers to update their identification before the deadline.
How to Get a Real ID
Obtaining a Real ID is a straightforward process that mirrors a regular license renewal. The steps are:
- Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
- Complete the application and pay the standard renewal fee.
- Provide proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, U.S. passport), proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency, proof of your Social Security number, and multiple proofs of your current address.
- Submit originals or hard copies; photocopies and screenshots are not accepted.
- Receive a temporary paper ID immediately.
- Wait three to four weeks for the mailed Real ID-approved license.
The cost of a Real ID is the same as a regular renewal, so there is no additional fee for the enhanced security features.
Acceptable IDs if You Don’t Have a Real ID
Travelers who do not possess a Real ID can still board domestic flights by presenting one of the following at the TSA checkpoint:
- A valid U.S. passport.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID.
- Permanent resident card.
- Border Crossing Card.
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID.
- Enhanced Driver’s License issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington.
These alternatives are accepted for the purpose of accessing federal facilities and for domestic air travel.
States and the Real ID Star
| State | Star Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | White star over bear logo | Unique design |
| Maine | Star outline of state | Slight variation |
| Others | Standard upper-right corner | Consistent across states |
All states now comply with the Real ID standards, but the exact appearance of the star can differ. Checking your state’s DMV website will provide the specific details for your license.
Key Takeaways
- The TSA’s $45 identity-verification fee and $5 surcharge will apply to travelers without a Real ID starting Feb. 1, 2026.
- A mandatory biometric scan accompanies the fee.
- The cost of a Real ID is the same as a regular renewal, and the card is mailed within three to four weeks of application.
- If you lack a Real ID, a passport or one of several other approved IDs will allow you to fly domestically.
- All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, marked by a star in the upper-right corner.
Travelers should verify their ID status well before the Feb. 1, 2026 deadline to avoid the fee and ensure a smooth security experience.
