Something you might want to know about if you are flying anywhere in the United States after February 1, 2026. You’d better grab a drink and read what I have to say.

Real ID

Real ID has been a thing since May of 2025. I did a post about it. You should have one. If not, then this blog applies to you. You can check out my blog about Real ID here. It went into effect on May 7, 2025. So take a look at your driver’s license and see if it has the star on it. If it does good for you. If it doesn’t, then what are you waiting for?

Maybe you don’t fly, so there is no need to get a new license. I can understand that. However, it is more than flying. A lot more, but we won’t go into detail about those.

What is Changing on February 1, 2026

If you are showing up at the Airport without any form of acceptable ID. You will have to stand in line to verify your ID. This process was free of charge. But now that the Real ID has been in place since May of 2025. People are still showing up at the airport without proper ID, which is causing issues. 

Hence why the fee!!

Wait, there is a fee now? Yep, there is a $45 fee to verify who you are.

So if you show up at the TSA security checkpoint without a valid form of ID, you will be directed to another line, which could mean long delays.

How does ConfirmID work?

Well, if you don’t bring a PROPER ID, then you will be directed to undergo the TSA ConfirmID process. Here is what that involves:

• The $45 fee
  • This charge covers a 10-day travel period, meaning that if your round-trip is within 10 days, you will only pay once.
  • If your return trip is after that 10-day period, then you will have to pay again.
• Verification Process:
  • Now, if you don’t have a RealID, you can do this online, and that is recommended.
  • If you are doing this at the airport, please plan on this process taking 10 to 15 minutes or longer. The longer time frame comes during the peak travel times.
• No Guarantees:
  • TSA does make it clear that even after paying the fee and completing the verification process, there is no GUARANTEE you will be cleared to fly.

What counts as Acceptable ID

To avoid the fee and potential delays, travelers can present any of the following:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (look for a star symbol in the upper right corner). See the picture below.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
• Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident or border crossing card
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation
• Various other federal identification documents

Importantly, as of May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s licenses and IDs are no longer accepted as valid identification at airports.

Why is this Happening

Well, I could go into a long writing process, but let’s just say that after 9/11, this was passed, but never implemented into law until May 2025. Also, to prevent taxpayers from bearing the cost of people who are too lazy to get what they need.

What Travelers Should Do Now

Well, you should look at your driver’s license and see if there is a star in the upper right-hand corner. (See above image)

If you don’t have a RealID, just go to the DMV and get one. I know that it could be hard for some people. So that is why you can consider alternatives, such as a Valid passport or a passport card, which can help with domestic air travel.

Plan Ahead for Travel

 If you absolutely must fly before getting your REAL ID and choose to use TSA ConfirmID, plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. The additional screening time could mean the difference between making your flight and watching it leave without you.

The Bottom Line

With just weeks until the February 1 deadline, now is the time to act. The $45 TSA ConfirmID fee is designed to be inconvenient enough to motivate travelers to get proper identification, but it’s also a safety net for those who find themselves in a bind. However, relying on this backup system means accepting longer wait times, additional fees, and the very real possibility of being denied boarding if your identity cannot be verified.

The message from TSA is clear: get your REAL ID now, or be prepared to pay the price—both in dollars and in time.

Next Week

Update about Hawaiian Air

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