Don’t have your REAL ID yet? If you’re planning to fly anywhere in the United States, it might end up costing you a little more than expected. Starting February 1, 2026, travelers flying domestically without a REAL ID will have to pay an extra $45.

The Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security announced the move late last year. Adults 18 and up traveling with a noncompliant ID will be assessed the fee to cover the TSA’s costs of verifying that traveler’s identity. The TSA said the new rule will make security more efficient and shift the cost burden from taxpayers to those who are noncompliant.

The REAL ID is a federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver identifications designed to help prevent fraudulent identification. TSA officials began enforcing the REAL ID requirement in May of 2025.

A REAL ID compliant card will have one of the following markings on the upper or lower part of the card: a black star or a United States flag. If your card does not have one of these markings on it, then it is not REAL ID compliant and will not be accepted as valid identification for boarding commercial aircraft for domestic flights. Children under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly domestically, however, the adult traveling with them will need an acceptable form of identification.

Besides a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights include an Enhanced Driver’s License or non-driver ID, a valid U.S. passport book or card, or a federally approved ID such as a NEXUS card.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional and not needed for the following: being licensed to drive, to vote or registering to vote, applying for or receiving federal benefits, accessing health or life insurance, law enforcement, constitutionally protected activities, participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations, and entering federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification.

In addition to flying domestically, you will need a REAL ID to enter certain federal facilities that do require identification such as U.S. military bases.

New York is among the states that offer an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or non-driver ID which satisfy the REAL ID requirement. It’s only available to U.S. citizens. The EDL has a banner that says “Enhanced” and a picture of the U.S. flag on it.

With an Enhanced ID you can travel on any domestic flight and enter federal buildings and military bases. An EDL is also acceptable identification at U.S. land and sea borders for traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean.

A passport is still required for all international flights.

A REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License must be obtained in-person at a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) location. While there is no additional charge to obtain a REAL ID, there is a $30 charge on top of the normal transaction fees for the Enhanced Driver License. Learn more at dmv.ny.gov.

The goal for the new fee is to encourage more travelers to opt for a REAL ID. Since REAL ID enforcement began last spring, 94% of U.S. travelers have come to the airport with a compliant ID – and that’s the best way to start your trip!

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