As REAL ID deadline nears, here's how travelers can avoid the $45 fee

The Transportation Security Administration announced Dec. 1 that 94% of airline passengers in the United States now have a REAL ID. Starting Feb. 1, the remaining 6% will need to follow an alternative process, which includes a fee.

Officials said the fee is meant to cover the technology and administrative costs of verifying the identities of travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant document or an accepted alternative.

TSA officials say noncompliant travelers who use the new Confirm.ID process should plan to pay the fee and upload their documents through a TSA web portal, which will go online soon, before they arrive at the airport.

Those travelers should bring a copy of their Confirm.ID receipt to the standard TSA line and should be able to proceed through the security checkpoint normally after presenting their noncompliant documents and proof of completing the Confirm.ID process.

Travelers who do not complete Confirm.ID in advance will have the option of completing it at the airport. TSA officials generally expect ID verification to take 10 to 15 minutes but said it could take up to 30 minutes.

Enrolling in Confirm.ID does not guarantee the TSA's ability to verify a traveler's identity, so even after paying the fee, travelers could be denied boarding.

The TSA said Confirm.ID's alternative compliance method is valid for 10 days per payment, beginning with the first departure of the itinerary.

Right now, travelers without REAL ID may be subject to additional screening, including verifying their name and address, before being allowed through secure checkpoints.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID?

The Department of Homeland Security says REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the top portion of the card.

In states like California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear. In other states, a simple golden star is added to REAL IDs.

A sample of a California REAL ID driver license.

How can I get a REAL ID?

According to the DHS, the best way to find out exactly what documentation you need to get a REAL ID” is to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website. But at a minimum, you will need to provide documentation with your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of address of principal residence and lawful status.

Individual states may have additional requirements, so contact your state’s driver’s licensing agency online or in person for information.

What types of ID are accepted by the TSA?

Here are the acceptable forms of ID as of Dec. 1, according to the TSA:

  • REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the state's equivalent.
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID.
  • U.S. passport or passport card.
  • Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry.
  • Permanent resident card.
  • Border crossing card.
  • Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
  • U.S. War Department ID (formerly the Defense Department), including those issued to dependents.
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • HSPD-12 PIV card.
  • Foreign government-issued passport card.
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.

The TSA notes that the list of what's accepted may change without notice, so people with REAL ID alternatives should check the TSA's webpage before traveling.

Contributing: Kathleen Wong

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