Louisiana Travelers: New REAL ID Airport Fee Starts in 2026

(KNGT-FM) - If you’re planning to fly next year, you might want to double-check your wallet, because starting February 1, showing up to the airport without a REAL ID could cost you. We've got everything you need to know...

REAL ID is a more secure type of state-issued ID created by a 2005 federal law. You can spot it by the gold or black star in the top right corner.

Get our free mobile app

TSA says all travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID or another approved ID, such as a passport, permanent resident card, Enhanced Driver's License, Tribal ID, or U.S. citizenship documents, to pass through airport security. Without one, you will not be allowed through TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.

The difference between a Real ID and a regular driver’s license is that the Real ID meets federal security standards. Regular licenses will still work for driving and non-federal purposes, but they won’t be enough for airport security. If you like to travel or visit federal facilities, having a Real ID makes life much easier when you're traveling.

TSA says about 94% of travelers already use a REAL ID or another approved form of identification.

READ MORE: What To Know About Real ID in Louisiana

Don't Have Your RealID? It Could Cost You in 2026

If you're like me and haven't gotten your RealID yet, then we've got some important information for you.

Beginning February 1, travelers who show up to airport security without a REAL ID or a passport will have to pay a $45 fee, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on Monday.

TSA originally planned to charge an $18 fee, but the agency raised it to $45. Officials say the fee will help pay for the technology and other costs needed to run the ID-checking system. TSA also says this helps keep extra costs off taxpayers.