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Don't get grounded: Everything you need to know about REAL ID's (and the new TSA Confirm.ID program)

  • barbara6469
  • Oct 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Dec 8, 2025



Whether you fly a few times a year or once in a blue moon, your identification now matters more than ever. Since 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has required all travelers 18 and older to show a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of ID to pass through airport security for domestic flights.


If you still haven’t updated your ID—or if you’re wondering what happens if you show up at the airport without one—here’s what you need to know to stay travel-ready in 2026 and beyond.


What exactly is a REAL ID?


The REAL ID Act set higher security standards for state-issued IDs like driver’s licenses. A REAL ID looks almost identical to a regular license but includes extra security features and a small star in the upper-right corner.


It’s your go-to ID for:

  • Boarding domestic U.S. flights

  • Entering certain federal facilities or military bases

  • Meeting identification rules that now apply nationwide


👉 Note: A REAL ID doesn’t replace a passport—you’ll still need that for international travel.





What do you need to get a REAL ID?


Gather a few key documents and make an appointment with your DMV or licensing office:


  1. Proof of identity – birth certificate or valid U.S. passport

  2. Social Security number – card, W-2, or pay stub showing the full number

  3. Proof of residency – two documents with your current address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)

  4. Proof of legal presence (for non-citizens)


Most states let you start online, upload documents in advance, or book an appointment to skip the line.




How to get your REAL ID – It’s easier than you think!


Ready to make it happen? Follow these steps to get your REAL ID:


1. Head to your local DMV (or wherever your state handles driver’s licenses).


2. Bring along the documents listed above.


3. Complete your application and pay any fees. (Each state sets its own fees.)


Pro tip: Schedule an appointment to skip the line and save time. Some states let you start the process online by uploading your documents ahead of time—easy peasy!




How can you tell if your ID is already a REAL ID?


Check the upper-right corner of your license or state ID:


  • A gold or black star = REAL ID-compliant

  • California: look for the grizzly bear and star

  • Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont: these states issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) instead of or in addition to REAL IDs—both are acceptable

  • If your card says “Federal Limits Apply,” it’s not compliant

  • Still not sure? You can always double-check with your state’s DMV to be absolutely certain.

 



If you don’t have a REAL ID…


If you’re flying domestically starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, or you can use one of these:


  • U.S. passports or passport cards

  • DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry or NEXUS)

  • U.S. military IDs


Basically, as long as it’s on the TSA’s list, you’re good to go!


NEW FOR 2026: TSA Confirm.ID and the $45 fee


If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, TSA now offers a backup option called TSA Confirm.ID, launched February 1, 2026.

Here’s how it works:

  • TSA will try to verify your identity using biographic and/or biometric information.

  • You’ll pay a non-refundable $45 fee, valid for up to 10 days of airport access.

  • The fee can be paid online in advance or at marked locations near most TSA checkpoints.


Important: Confirm.ID is optional and doesn’t guarantee you’ll be cleared to fly. Expect delays if you use it. TSA still recommends getting a REAL ID or bringing a passport to avoid the fee and the wait.


A few more things to keep in mind


  • Children under 18 can still fly domestically with an adult who has acceptable ID.

  • Forget your REAL ID? TSA may still verify your identity—but expect extra time and questions.

  • DMV offices tend to fill up around renewal deadlines, so plan ahead and get it done early.


The bottom line


Your future self will thank you for checking your ID now instead of dealing with airport stress later. Whether your next trip is a weekend escape or a bucket-list adventure, having the right ID means you can spend less time at security and more time enjoying the journey.


Need help planning that next getaway once your travel docs are set?


✈️ Let’s chat. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on where you’re headed—not what’s in your wallet.

 
 
 
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