REAL ID Requirements for U.S. Flights (2026)

 Since May 7, 2025, all U.S. domestic flyers aged 18+ must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID or another acceptable federal ID (e.g., passport, DHS Trusted Traveler card) to board flights. New TSA Fee (Effective Feb 1, 2026)

• Travelers without a REAL ID, or another accepted ID, who want to fly domestically will be required to pay a non-refundable $45 fee for identity verification via TSA’s Confirm.ID system.
• This fee covers travel for about 10 days and may be initiated online or at the airport before security.
• Without a REAL ID and without paying/clearing Confirm.ID, you may face delays or denied boarding.

Accepted IDs Instead of REAL ID Acceptable alternatives include:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Permanent resident card
• Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
• Active duty and retired military IDs
• Tribal nation ID cards
• (Note: check TSA’s full list before traveling.)