Travelers planning to fly in the coming months should prepare for an important change regarding identification requirements at airport security. Starting February 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a new policy that requires a $45 fee for anyone 18 years or older attempting to board a domestic flight without a Real ID or another approved form of identification. Standard driver’s licenses will not be accepted under this new mandate.
The Real ID requirements were initially set to take effect for domestic air travel in May 2025; however, the TSA is now tightening enforcement. Previously, individuals without a Real ID or acceptable identification, such as a passport, could still pass through airport security after undergoing extra screening. Beginning February 1, those who fail to present a Real ID will have to pay the fee for the “TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification” at the time of check-in, or they will be denied access to the security line.
Currently, the TSA reports that over 94% of passengers use either a Real ID or other valid forms of identification. For those who have yet to obtain a Real ID or who do not carry a passport, it is advisable to either acquire a compliant ID from their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or prepare to pay the new fee.
Accepted forms of ID that will allow travelers to bypass the $45 fee post-February 1 include:
– REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued photo IDs
– Temporary driver’s licenses (not acceptable)
– Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced IDs (EID)
– U.S. passports and passport cards
– DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
– U.S. Department of Defense ID cards (including those issued to dependents)
– Permanent resident cards
– Border crossing cards
– Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe issued IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
– HSPD-12 PIV cards
– Foreign government-issued passports
– Canadian provincial driver’s licenses and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada identification
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (I-766)
– U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials
– Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)
To avoid any last-minute issues at the airport, travelers are encouraged to check the status of their ID compliance with their local DMV. This new process reflects a broader governmental push towards enhanced security measures, aiming to ensure that all travelers meet updated identification standards. By preparing well in advance, travelers can make their airport experience smoother and more efficient.