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The holidays are the busiest time of the year to travel. And the winter of 2025 marks the first holiday season where people need to have a REAL ID in order to fly.<\/p>\n
Life & Style<\/em> reveals what will happen if you try to fly without a REAL ID, as well as identification alternatives.<\/p>\n The REAL ID has been required to travel with since May 2025. However, up until this point passengers without a Real ID have been allowed to pass through security with an additional screening and a warning, according to the Associated Press<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Those that don\u2019t have a REAL ID still have some time until they\u2019re penalized, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on December 2 that those flying without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February 2026.<\/p>\n Who Is Arti Shah? Meet the Actress Playing Paddington the Bear in the West End<\/a><\/p>\n TSA officials said that paying the fee will not guarantee verification, and they have the right to turn away travelers whose identifications they can\u2019t verify. However, those who pay the fee and get approved will be covered for a 10-day travel period.<\/p>\n The fee can be paid online before travelers arrive at the airport, while the payment can also be made at the airport before the travelers enter the security line. However, it\u2019s recommended to pay the fee online because the process can take up to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards, according to the DMV\u2019s website<\/a>. Additionally, the act prohibits federal agencies \u2013 such as the TSA \u2013 from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet the set of standards.<\/p>\n The federally compliant state-issued license meets enhanced requirements that were mandated following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.<\/p>\n In order to obtain a REAL ID card, people must take more documents to the DMV than are required to obtain a regular ID.<\/p>\nWhat Happens If You Try to Fly Without a REAL ID?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Is the REAL ID?<\/span><\/h2>\n