{"id":529262,"date":"2025-12-02T12:12:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T17:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northernvirginiamag.com\/?p=529262"},"modified":"2025-12-02T12:43:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T17:43:52","slug":"how-virginia-travelers-can-prepare-for-tsas-real-id-fee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northernvirginiamag.com\/things-to-do\/travel\/2025\/12\/02\/how-virginia-travelers-can-prepare-for-tsas-real-id-fee\/","title":{"rendered":"How Virginia Travelers Can Prepare for TSA\u2019s Real ID Fee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nearly seven months past the Real ID deadline<\/a>, the Transportation Security Administration is cracking down on those who are still non-compliant. Come February, travelers without a Real ID or passport will face a $45 fee<\/a> when they go through airport security checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s New?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The new process will start on February 1, 2026. Travelers without an acceptable form of ID will need to enter the TSA Confirm.ID<\/a> verification system to pay the fee before heading through security. Flyers will then show their payment confirmation to TSA agents before going through any checkpoint. This applies to anyone without a Real ID or passport or anyone with a lost or stolen Real ID or passport.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fee provides access through TSA checkpoints for up to 10 days. After that time runs out, travelers will need to go through the process and pay the fee once again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelers without a Real ID or passport are encouraged to complete the process before arriving at the airport. While passengers can be verified by TSA Confirm.ID at the airport, officials warn of possible delays, which could take up to 30 minutes or more, according to ABC News<\/a>. Completing the process doesn\u2019t guarantee that you\u2019ll be cleared to pass through security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Have a Real ID?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to TSA, 94 percent of travelers across the nation already use a Real ID or another accepted form of identification. But in Virginia, Real IDs are still optional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to tell if you have a compliant ID is to check for a star in the top right corner of your license. If it\u2019s there, your license is Real ID\u2013compliant. If not, you still have a standard ID.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to receive a Real ID in Virginia, whether you’re a first-time driver\u2019s license applicant or already have an ID, you\u2019ll need to fill out an application \u2013 online or on paper \u2013 and bring required documents to the DMV.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n