Travelers Without Real ID in WA and OR Will Now Have to Pay a $45 Fee

Starting this February, if you don't have Real ID and want to travel, it'll cost you $45 and longer TSA delays.

Last year the days leading into May had all airports and even TSA agents were reminding everyone that starting that day moving forward you would need a Real ID or something equivalent (like a passport) for traveling on an airplane. Even if you're not traveling outside of the country. If you are traveling out of the United States, you will still need a proper passport.

Even something as simple as flying from Yakima to Seattle, your normal ID would no longer work. You would need to enhance your driver's license to a Real ID, passport, or something on their approved list.

Now, not even a year later, they're saying that if you don't have a Real ID, you'll now have to pay a fee at the airport every time you travel and could include even more delays.

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You Can Still Fly Without Real ID

Since they talked about how you need Real ID or passport to fly anywhere, as it turns out you could still travel. This was something in place where if you had to fly somewhere in a hurry but weren't equipped with a Real ID, yet, as maybe you don't travel as often you could still be allowed through after further screening. It would cause a delay, but it was possible.

Now, Starting Feb 1, 2026, this is still an option but you have to pay an additional $45 each time.

This is part of their TSA ConfirmID launch which will help you get on your way without a Real ID, passport, or something similar.
Read More: Nonstop Flights from Pasco to Portland are Finally Returning
Note that on top of the added $45 fee, there will be additional screening and could cause delays of upto 30 minutes so plan accordingly.

Of course if you already have Real ID or a passport, you won't have to worry about this. Best to plan ahead and maybe consider getting Real ID even if you don't plan to fly in a while as it's nice to have just in case.

Don't miss out on that next opportunity for a friend trip to another state or attend someone's wedding or something.