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As of May 7, 2025, travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID or other federally approved identification to board commercial flights.

Travelers without a REAL ID can use other accepted forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport or a Global Entry card.

Starting in 2026, passengers without a REAL ID or an accepted alternative will face a $45 fee for an additional identity verification process.

With REAL ID now required to board a commercial flight without paying an additional fee, holiday travel is a bit more complicated this year.

REAL ID-compliant IDs are state-issued documents of identification — such as REAL ID driver's licenses or ID cards with a special symbol — that comply with "minimum security standards" that have recently begun to be enforced in order to

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