REAL ID Guide (2026): Deadline, Cost & What You Need
REAL ID has been enforced at airports since May 7, 2025. To fly domestically you now need a star-marked REAL ID, a passport, or another accepted ID. In most states a REAL ID costs the same as a standard license — only seven states add a surcharge. As of February 2026, flying without an acceptable ID means a $45 TSA ConfirmID feeand extra screening, with no guarantee you'll board.
Verified July 2026 from DHS/TSA. The $45 ConfirmID fee took effect February 1, 2026 — the newest detail, so confirm current TSA policy before you travel.
What a REAL ID is — and isn't — for
A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards, marked with a star in the corner. You need one to board domestic commercial flights, enter secured federal buildings, and visit nuclear plants. You don't need one to drive, vote, bank, or collect federal benefits — a standard license still covers all of those.
The new $45 fee if you fly without one
Since February 1, 2026, travelers who can't show a REAL ID or other accepted ID are sent to TSA ConfirmID: you pay $45 (covering a 10-day travel window) and go through identity verification. It takes 10–30 minutes and — importantly — doesn't guarantee you'll be cleared to fly. The far cheaper move is simply getting a REAL ID or carrying your passport.
What works instead of a REAL ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI trusted-traveler card
- U.S. military ID (active, retired, or dependent)
- State Enhanced Driver's License (see below)
- Permanent resident (green) card
Enhanced Driver's License states
Five states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington— issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs). An EDL does everything a REAL ID does and proves U.S. citizenship, so it also works for land and sea border crossings from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean (but not international flights — you still need a passport for those).
REAL ID cost by state
Most states issue a REAL ID at no extra charge — it's the same price as a standard license. These seven states add a surcharge:
| State | REAL ID surcharge |
|---|---|
| Oregon | +$30 |
| Pennsylvania | +$30 |
| Maine | +$25 |
| Alaska | +$20 |
| New Jersey | +$11 |
| New Hampshire | +$10 |
| Virginia | +$10 |
| Kentucky | +$5 |
| All other states | No surcharge (same as standard license) |
See your state's full license fees on the driver's license cost pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is REAL ID required now?
Yes. Full enforcement began May 7, 2025. To board a domestic flight or enter secured federal facilities, you now need a REAL ID-compliant license (star-marked), a passport, or another TSA-accepted ID. As of February 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID can pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee to verify their identity, but boarding isn't guaranteed.
How much does a REAL ID cost?
In most states a REAL ID is the same price as a standard license — no surcharge. A handful add a fee: Oregon and Pennsylvania (+$30), Maine (+$25), New Jersey (+$11), New Hampshire and Virginia (+$10), and Kentucky (+$5). See the full list below.
What can I use instead of a REAL ID to fly?
A valid U.S. passport or passport card, a trusted-traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), a military ID, a state Enhanced Driver's License, or a permanent resident card all work. Children under 18 don't need ID for domestic flights.
Do I need a REAL ID to drive, vote, or bank?
No. A REAL ID is only required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities. A standard license still lets you drive, and REAL ID is never required to vote, bank, or receive federal benefits like Social Security or Medicare.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?
Proof of identity and date of birth (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, or pay stub), and two proofs of your home address (utility bill, bank statement, lease). Apply in person at your state DMV.