Flying home for the holidays? Without a REAL ID, expect a $45 fee

Travelers flying out of Logan for Thanksgiving or December holidays with an older Massachusetts license face an extra step at security this year.

What changed

As of Feb. 1, 2026, passengers who arrive at a checkpoint without a federally accepted ID must enroll in TSA ConfirmID, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. The program costs $45, covers 10 days of travel and requires an identity check that takes roughly 10 to 30 minutes.

IDs that avoid the fee for domestic flights include:

• A REAL ID driver's license or ID card
• A valid U.S. passport
• Other documents on TSA's acceptable-ID list

Getting a REAL ID in time

The RMV requires an in-person appointment, which can be booked through the myRMV online service center; AAA members can also book through AAA Northeast. Bring originals or certified copies of:

• Proof of lawful presence
• Two proofs of Massachusetts residency
• Proof of your full Social Security number
• Legal proof of any name change

The RMV says the card arrives by mail, typically within 10 to 14 business days, and advises allowing about three weeks. For a trip at Christmas, that means booking soon.

You may renew up to a year before your card's printed expiration date. Holders of a REAL ID-compliant credential can usually renew online, unless they changed their name or hold a limited-term card.