REAL ID: what you now need to fly within the U.S.
If your driver's license doesn't have a small star in the top corner, this one's for you.
What changed
Since the May 2025 deadline, you need a REAL ID-compliant license (the one with the star) — or another approved ID — to board a domestic flight in the U.S. As of February 1, 2026, the rule got teeth: travelers who arrive at the checkpoint without acceptable ID face a $45 "TSA ConfirmID" fee, an extra identity-verification step, and possible delays of 30 minutes or more. Any clearance you're granted that way is temporary — good for about 10 days, not a permanent fix.
What counts as acceptable ID
You're fine to fly domestically with any one of these:
- A REAL ID driver's license or state ID (look for the star)
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A Trusted Traveler card — Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI
- A U.S. military ID
- An enhanced driver's license (offered by a few border states), or a federally recognized tribal ID
What to do
Check your license for the star. No star? You can still fly with your passport in the meantime — keep it handy. To upgrade to a REAL ID, book a DMV appointment and bring proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (requirements vary by state, so check yours first).
Good to know: children under 18 don't need ID for domestic flights when traveling with an adult.
The official rules and a state-by-state guide live at tsa.gov/real-id.
When we book your domestic flights, we'll flag this if it might catch you out — especially for families where one passport is doing all the work.
Entry rules change often, and the details above reflect what we knew on May 18, 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you book or travel — or let us check it for your specific trip.