Flying in the US Without REAL ID in 2026: Passport and TSA ConfirmID Options

You can still fly domestically in the United States without a REAL ID-compliant driving licence if you have another TSA-accepted form of identification, such as a passport.

For travellers aged 18 or over who arrive without REAL ID or another acceptable ID, TSA now also offers a paid identity-verification option called ConfirmID.

How do you know if your state ID is REAL ID-compliant?

A REAL ID-compliant driving licence or state ID normally has a star marking in the upper-right area. If yours already has the required marking, you do not need a separate REAL ID card.

What can you use instead?

A valid passport and other forms of identification on TSA’s accepted-ID list can be used for domestic air travel. REAL ID affects the use of state-issued licences and IDs for federal purposes; it does not make a passport invalid.

What is TSA ConfirmID?

USAGov says travellers aged 18 and over who do not have an acceptable form of ID can pay for TSA ConfirmID identity verification. The fee is $45 and the verification is valid for 10 days from the departure date.

The government recommends paying in advance to reduce airport delays.

What newcomers should do

If you are new to the US, do not assume your ordinary state licence will be accepted for domestic flights. Check for REAL ID compliance or plan to carry another accepted document.

For wider practical information, see Babylon’s United States country guide.

Official source

USAGov: REAL ID and air travel, updated 6 April 2026.