Since last spring, every air traveler 18 years of age and older has required a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form to fly within the United States. 

To date, travelers attempting to fly without a REAL ID have been delayed or possibly denied entry through TSA checkpoints. Starting February 1, the TSA is instituting a new, fee-based identity verification tool that can be used by anyone attempting to fly without a REAL ID. 

The tool, titled TSA ConfirmID, can be found via QR code on posted signage at the airport, or directly through tsa.gov. ConfirmID has a mandatory fee of $45 for each verification, which can only be paid digitally and can take 30 minutes or more to process. Verification through the tool can be performed in advance and is valid for 10 days; travel beyond the expiration date will require a new payment.  

As a reminder, the REAL ID Act is a federal law.

While the REAL ID Act is mandated and enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and is not an Alaska Airlines-specific program, it’s important to us that your travel is as hassle free as possible, so Alaska encourages you to obtain compliant identification as soon as possible.  

To help ensure you have a smooth journey, Alaska is providing a resource for the guests, employees and the public to get the latest information about REAL ID.  

Learn more

Here are some key things to know

• By law your driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. If your license is not compliant, you don’t have another acceptable form of ID, such as a U.S. passport, and you have not completed the ConfirmID process ahead of time, you may be subject to additional delays which may result in a missed flight.
   
• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and the processes to get them are different from state to state, which can be confusing. In most cases, you’ll need to bring additional documentation to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, and you might even need to make an appointment. See below for links to each state’s licensing agency or motor vehicle department.  
   
• Many states identify their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a gold star in the upper right corner. But some states, such as Washington, use Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which do not use gold stars for REAL ID-compliant licenses. However, EDLs are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
   
• You have a choice. There are other forms of acceptable identification – for example, if you have a U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID, you can use that instead. Just remember to bring that ID to the airport. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the state where you live to find out more about how to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.