Key Takeaways
- Starting February 1, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant document may face a $45 fee to verify their identity before boarding a domestic flight.
- The ConfirmID process is a new option for travelers without REAL ID to verify their identity before going to the airport.
- Other acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. passport, Global Entry card, and permanent resident card.
- REAL ID-compliant documents are required to enter federal facilities, including TSA checkpoints at airports.
- Travelers can check if their driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant by looking for a star marking on the top portion of the card.
Introduction to REAL ID
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that starting February 1, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant document may face a $45 fee to verify their identity before boarding a domestic flight. This move is part of the implementation of the REAL ID law, which aims to standardize state-issued identification documents. According to TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeil, 6% of travelers still aren’t using REAL ID at airports, which could lead to thousands of passengers having to pay the fee every day. The REAL ID law directs states to verify a person’s identity using specific forms of documentation before issuing IDs like driver’s licenses.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a standard for state-issued identification documents that went into effect in May 2025. It requires states to verify a person’s identity using specific forms of documentation before issuing IDs like driver’s licenses. REAL ID-compliant documents are now required to enter federal facilities, including TSA checkpoints at airports. State-issued IDs are the most common form of identification that people present at airports, but they’re not the only forms of ID that are accepted under the REAL ID law. Other acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, Global Entry card, and permanent resident card, among others.
Acceptable Forms of ID
In addition to REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, there are several other forms of ID that are accepted at TSA checkpoints. These include a U.S. passport or passport card, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards like Global Entry, and permanent resident cards. Other acceptable documents include a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID, a border crossing card, and a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe. Canadian citizens can use their provincial driver’s licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card to board U.S. domestic flights. It’s worth noting that REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are not acceptable alternatives to a passport for boarding international flights.
How to Check if Your Driver’s License is REAL ID-Compliant
To check if your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant, you can look for a star marking on the top portion of the card. The design of the star may vary depending on the state that issued the license. For example, in California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear, while in other states, a simple golden or black star is added to REAL IDs. If you’re unsure whether your license is REAL ID-compliant, you can check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for more information.
What Happens if You Don’t Have REAL ID
Starting February 1, travelers without REAL ID are encouraged to complete their identity verification before heading to the airport using the TSA’s new ConfirmID process. This process requires a $45 fee and is valid for 10 days after payment. According to the TSA, use of the ConfirmID process is optional for travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant document to present, but the agency warns that travelers who do not complete it beforehand are at risk of missing their flights. The TSA also notes that enrolling in ConfirmID does not guarantee that an officer will be able to verify your identity, which means you still could be denied boarding your flight.
Who Needs to Present REAL ID
All travelers ages 18 and older need to present REAL ID to board domestic flights. Foreign nationals will need to present their passport, passport card, or border crossing card to board U.S. domestic flights. Canadian citizens can use their provincial driver’s licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card. It’s worth noting that REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are not acceptable alternatives to a passport for boarding international flights, but a passport will allow travelers without a compliant driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Travelers should check the TSA’s website for the most up-to-date information on acceptable forms of ID and the ConfirmID process.
