80% of Iowans Have Real ID; TSA to Charge $45 Without It

Understanding the REAL ID Requirement

If you're planning to fly in the United States, it's important to be aware of the new requirements related to identification. Starting February 1, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will need to pay a fee or risk being unable to board a commercial flight. This change has been implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to cover administrative costs associated with verifying the identities of those without a compliant ID.

What is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as a response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It established federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and non-driver IDs to prevent fraudulent identification. The law went into effect on May 7 after years of delays. In the United States, REAL IDs are required for boarding commercial flights and accessing certain federal buildings.

In Iowa, a REAL ID can be identified by a gold star in the upper-right corner of a driver's license. Other states, like California, have integrated the star into their design elements differently.

How Many Iowans Have REAL IDs?

According to data from the Iowa Department of Transportation, 80% of Iowans are REAL ID-compliant. However, the remaining 20% may face challenges when traveling without a compliant ID.

Flying Without a REAL ID

Starting February 1, travelers in the U.S. will have to pay a $45 fee if they do not have a REAL ID. This fee is part of the Confirm.ID process, which allows noncompliant travelers to verify their identity and pay the fee before arriving at the airport. The process involves uploading identification documents through a TSA web portal.

Currently, the web portal is not publicly available as the TSA works with private industry to offer online payment options. Travelers who do not complete the Confirm.ID process in advance will still have the option to complete it at the airport. The verification process is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes, though it could take up to 30 minutes in some cases.

The Confirm.ID alternative compliance method is valid for 10 days per payment, starting with the first departure of the itinerary. Travelers without a REAL ID may also be subject to additional screening, including verifying their name and address, before being allowed through secure checkpoints.

How Long Does It Take to Get a REAL ID?

It can take up to 30 days to receive a REAL ID in the mail, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Even if your current ID hasn't expired, you can schedule an appointment at the DOT to replace it with a REAL ID.

Accepted Forms of Identification

The TSA accepts several forms of identification for flying, including:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state photo identity cards issued by the DMV or state's equivalent.
• State-issued enhanced driver's license or Enhanced ID.
• U.S. passport or passport card.
• Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry.
• Permanent resident card.
• Border crossing card.
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/Indian tribe.
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including those issued to dependents.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• HSPD-12 PIV card.
• Foreign government-issued passport card.
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.

TSA notes that the list of accepted IDs may change without notice, so travelers should check the TSA's webpage before traveling.

Correction

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the national average of people with REAL ID-compliant identification.