Still don't have a REAL ID ? There's going to be a workaround soon, but you'll have to pay a $45 fee.

About 94% of airline passengers in the U.S. have a REAL ID, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). There's also a short list of other accepted IDs that people can use instead, including passports.

Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the remaining 6% will follow an alternative process called Confirm.ID to fly or travel , and they'll have to pay a fee to get security clearance for a few days at a time.

Here's what we know about when the new system will be available and how it will work. Want to skip the fee? You can still get a REAL ID in Mississippi.

What is a REAL ID?

U.S. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to improve national security following 9/11. People have

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