If you've flown domestically recently, you know about REAL ID: since spring 2025, passengers on flights within the U.S. have been required to show a federally accepted form of identification. But while the new rule was meant to be strictly enforced, some people are still showing up to airports without it. As of February 1, 2026, they'll be penalized with a recently increased fee — and according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), about 6% of air travelers will be affected. When implementing the new rule in May 2025, the TSA published an interactive map of the U.S., pointing out where residents of each state could apply for a REAL ID. That fee is poised to nearly triple to $45 per person, per Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA.