Tennessee Joins Texas, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, And Other US States In Stricter REAL ID Enforcement—How It Will Impact Your Travel
Tennessee joins Texas, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and other U.S. states, is now fully enforcing REAL ID requirements, marking a major change for air travel across the country. This shift comes as part of the federal government’s efforts to improve national security by standardizing identification for domestic flights, following years of delays in implementing the REAL ID Act. Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable ID will now face a $45 fee for identity verification, leading to delays and added costs for millions of unprepared passengers.
As February 1, 2026, marks the official start of REAL ID enforcement, travelers across the U.S. are already experiencing a new set of travel regulations designed to enhance airport security. Tennessee, alongside Texas, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and 44 other states, is now fully implementing REAL ID requirements. For millions of travelers, this means that a $45 fee will be imposed if they attempt to fly with non-compliant IDs.
The full implementation of the REAL ID Act, which has seen multiple delays since it was passed in 2005, is now in full force, and it’s already shaking up the travel landscape. Starting now, travelers who fail to meet the required ID standards at airport security checkpoints will face a fee and, in some cases, lengthy delays. Here’s everything you need to know about the impact of the REAL ID Act, including the fee, the compliance process, and how you can avoid any setbacks as you travel in 2026.
The REAL ID Act: Why It Matters
The REAL ID Act was introduced by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 attacks, aimed at bolstering national security by setting stricter standards for state-issued identification cards. Over the years, the deadline for full enforcement of these standards has been extended multiple times. The act mandates that all driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs must meet federal security standards, including a star marking indicating they are REAL ID-compliant.
Originally slated to be fully enforced by 2008, the deadline for compliance was pushed back due to various challenges. As of now, February 2026, the REAL ID enforcement is fully active, and travelers are already facing new requirements. Starting February 1, individuals arriving at U.S. airports with non-compliant IDs will be required to pay a $45 fee for identity verification.
The $45 Fee: What It Means for Travelers
For the first time, REAL ID compliance is now a must for U.S. domestic air travel. The $45 fee applies to travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, enhanced driver’s license (EDL), or another accepted form of ID. The fee will cover identity verification at the airport, which includes a biometric data check and biographic verification. This process will take 10-30 minutes, depending on whether the traveler pre-pays the fee or pays at the checkpoint.
If travelers pay online through TSA’s ConfirmID platform, the process is expedited to 10-15 minutes. However, if payment is made at the airport security checkpoint, it could add significant delays to the travel experience, potentially causing passengers to miss their flights. While most passengers will be able to present compliant IDs, those who do not will face this added hassle and cost.
States Most Affected by REAL ID: Tennessee Among Them
As of February 2026, states with lower compliance rates will be the most affected by the new REAL ID regulations. Tennessee is one such state, with a large portion of its population still not holding a REAL ID-compliant license. Tennessee started issuing REAL IDs in 2019, but as of 2025, there were still millions of residents without a REAL ID.
Texas, California, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, and Pennsylvania have also faced challenges in reaching full compliance. For these states, travelers who fail to upgrade their IDs will be required to pay the $45 fee to use the TSA ConfirmID service. In Tennessee, residents who have not yet received their REAL ID are advised to act immediately to avoid delays and extra costs.
Which IDs Are Accepted to Avoid the $45 Fee?
To avoid the $45 fee, travelers must present one of the following accepted IDs at TSA checkpoints:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (with a star marking)
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs)
- U.S. Military IDs and Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)
- Other TSA-approved IDs
If your driver’s license does not have a star or you don’t have one of the other approved IDs, you must either upgrade or use a passport. Children under 18 traveling with an adult are exempt from the ID requirement and the $45 fee.
Why the $45 Fee Is Here Now: TSA’s Rationale
In response to operational costs, the TSA has implemented the $45 fee to ensure identity verification during airport security. Originally, the proposed fee was $18, but TSA officials raised it to $45 to accommodate the higher-than-expected costs of biometric verification and identity infrastructure. The fee is intended to make it more feasible for the TSA to handle the growing number of travelers with non-compliant IDs, while also encouraging people to obtain the necessary documentation.
This $45 fee will cover a 10-day window, meaning if you pay it once, you can use the TSA ConfirmID service for multiple flights during that period. For travelers in states with low REAL ID adoption, this will be a major inconvenience, as longer delays at the airport could risk missing flights.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
While most travelers will be required to pay the $45 fee if they don’t have a compliant ID, there are some exemptions:
- Children under 18 are exempt from showing an ID when traveling with an adult, so they will not be subject to the fee.
- In emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, the fee may be waived at the discretion of the TSA officer.
- Alternative IDs, like a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are always acceptable.
What Tennessee Travelers Can Do to Prepare
To avoid the $45 fee, Tennessee residents should take action now. Here’s how:
- Check your driver’s license to ensure it has the REAL ID star. If it doesn’t, apply for a REAL ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Consider getting a passport if you prefer to rely on another form of ID, especially if you’re traveling frequently.
- Pay the $45 fee online using the TSA ConfirmID platform ahead of time to avoid long delays at the airport.
- Stay updated on your state’s DMV website for any additional updates on REAL ID renewals and deadlines.
States with the Lowest REAL ID Compliance Rates
Here are the states where travelers are most likely to face the $45 fee due to low compliance rates:
- California: 55% compliance
- New Jersey: 17% compliance
- Pennsylvania: 26% compliance
- New York: 43% compliance
- Michigan: Below 50% compliance
- Minnesota: Low compliance, though EDLs are an option
- Texas: High compliance, but large population means many still uncompliant
If you’re a traveler from these states, be sure to get your REAL ID now to avoid disruptions.
As Tennessee joins Texas, Washington, California, and other major U.S. states in enforcing REAL ID standards, the $45 fee will become an inevitable part of the 2026 travel experience for many passengers. For some, this will be a minor inconvenience, but for others, especially those from states with lower compliance rates, it could significantly delay their travels.
Tennessee and several other states are now enforcing REAL ID requirements as part of a nationwide effort to enhance airport security and standardize identification for air travel. Starting February 2026, travelers without compliant IDs will face a $45 fee, marking a major shift in the travel experience.
If you haven’t upgraded to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, now is the time to do so. By acting early, you can avoid the $45 fee, long waits at the airport, and ensure that your 2026 travel plans go smoothly. Stay informed, and get ready for the new security measures that will shape the future of air travel in the U.S.
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