12/09/2025
✈️ REAL ID Update You Should Know! ✈️
Starting February 2026, travelers without a REAL ID may have to pay a $45 TSA identity verification fee at the airport.
If you arrive at security without a REAL ID, passport, or other approved ID, TSA will verify your identity (for a fee) so you can still fly but it does NOT replace getting a REAL ID.
Bottom line:
✔️ You can still fly without REAL ID in 2026
✔️ But you may pay $45 for TSA to confirm your identity
✔️ Best move: get your REAL ID ahead of time and avoid the hassle
Also if for whatever reason TSA declines you, you risk having to pay for rebooking! That’s right, the airlines do not take fault for TSA and may or may not charge you! There’s more than enough time to be in compliance!