Starting Feb 1, travelers without a REAL ID at airports nationwide will face a $45 fee for security screening, per TSA guidelines
Deadline Approaches for REAL ID Compliance
Travelers have less than a month to obtain a REAL ID or face a fee for airport security.
Starting February 1, air travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will need to pay a $45 fee to pass through security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that the fee will cover costs related to its modernized identification verification system, known as Confirm ID.
Officials recommend that travelers pay the fee in advance by uploading documents into a future online portal. This can help avoid delays at airports.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
Acceptable forms of ID include:
| REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses | State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) |
| U.S. passport | U.S. passport card |
| DHS trusted traveler cards | U.S. Department of Defense ID |
| Permanent resident card | Border crossing card |
| Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID | HSPD-12 PIV card |
| Foreign government-issued passport | Canadian provincial driver’s license |
| Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card |
| U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential | Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) |
Travelers without an acceptable ID, including those with a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license, will be referred to the TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification at TSA check-in. This will occur before entering the security line.
