Real ID Enforcement and New Airport Fee—What Travelers Should Know

Domestic air travelers in the United States are now facing a new consequence if they arrive at an airport without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another accepted ID when going through security checkpoints. As of February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration has implemented a new $45 fee option for passengers who do not present an acceptable ID but still want to fly.

What’s Changing at Airport Security

Under federal rules known as the REAL ID Act, state driver’s licenses and ID cards must meet certain security standards in order to be accepted for boarding domestic flights. South Carolina issues REAL IDs marked with a gold star on the top of the card.

Passengers who arrive at TSA security checkpoints without a REAL ID or another acceptable ID — such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certain Trusted Traveler cards — may still attempt to fly, but they will need to use TSA’s ConfirmID process and pay a $45 fee to do so.

How the $45 Fee Works

Adults 18 and older who do not present a REAL ID or another accepted ID at the airport security checkpoint and still wish to fly may be required to complete identity verification through ConfirmID.

The $45 TSA ConfirmID fee covers identity verification for up to 10 days, meaning travelers can use that confirmation for multiple flights within that timeframe.

Travelers are encouraged to pay through TSA’s online system before arriving at the airport and to bring proof of payment with them. Identity verification through ConfirmID can take additional time at security — potentially up to 30 minutes — so flyers should arrive early.

Paying the fee does not guarantee that TSA will successfully verify a traveler’s identity or allow them through security, especially if identity cannot be confirmed.

Accepted Forms of Identification

To avoid the fee and delays, travelers should use one of the following at the TSA checkpoint:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card (South Carolina license with a star)

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. military ID

• DHS Trusted Traveler cards such as Global Entry

• Federally recognized tribal photo ID

Temporary or paper driver’s licenses typically are not accepted as compliant identification for airport boarding.

Important Note for South Carolina Drivers

Some states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses that can be used for federal identification purposes. South Carolina does not issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, so residents must have either a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification to fly domestically.

What This Means for Travelers

Whether flying out of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport or another airport, travelers should check their license well before travel day. Waiting until the last minute could mean long lines at the DMV — or paying extra and facing delays at the airport.

If your license does not have the gold star, consider upgrading through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehiclesor plan to travel with a passport or other accepted ID.

Bottom Line

While travelers can still board domestic flights without a REAL ID, doing so now comes with a higher potential cost and longer processing time at airport security. Planning ahead and carrying compliant identification can make air travel smoother, faster, and less stressful.