Oct 6, 2026 - Travel

You can still fly without a Real ID, but it'll cost you

It's been about 18 months since the Transportation Security Administration started requiring Real IDs in order to board domestic flights.

Why it matters: I recently showed up to the airport without one and thankfully still got to fly, but my wallet paid the price.

State of play: I've been putting off a BMV trip to replace my regular Ohio driver's license with a Real ID-compliant version.

Thankfully, there's an online workaround.

I used TSA ConfirmID, a $45 identity-verification option launched in February for travelers without acceptable ID.
I paid ahead of time online and brought the confirmation plus my regular Ohio driver's license to Cleveland Hopkins, then breezed through security.

The intrigue: The $45 pays for having ConfirmID validate your identity ahead of time, with approval lasting 10 days.

But it'll also work if you have to go through the process at the airport.
I had my regular license, but TSA says the process also works if you have no ID, though it may take a little (or a fair amount) longer.

My thought bubble: For me, it merely felt like a $45 penalty before TSA scanned my regular license as usual.

Stunning stat: TSA says 95%-99% of passengers arrive with a Real ID or another acceptable ID.

Reality check: It's nice to have this backup option, but at $45 a pop, ConfirmID isn't a great long-term strategy.

There's no additional fee to upgrade to a Real ID when renewing your license, Ohio Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lindsey Bohrer tells Axios.
You'll likely also need a Real ID at certain federal facilities and military bases, where ConfirmID won't help.

The bottom line: Yes, I still need to visit the BMV.

But if you ever "accidentally" find yourself testing the airport alternative like me, ConfirmID works.
It'll just cost you $45 and a little more time.

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