TSA says Kentuckians have a choice: $48 for REAL ID or this fee to fly at the gate
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Starting Feb. 1, 2026 Kentucky flyers must show REAL ID or pay a $45 TSA fee.
- TSA will refer noncompliant IDs to fee-based ConfirmID, causing delays.
- See REAL ID application steps, fees and where to go.
Starting Sunday, Feb. 1, Kentucky flyers will need to make a choice: Travel with a REAL ID or pay a new $45 fee and possibly experience delays at the airport.
Last month, the Transportation Security Administration announced it will begin referring travelers to the new fee-based TSA ConfirmID if they do not present a valid REAL ID at security checkpoints.
The agency describes TSA ConfirmID as a “modernized alternative identity verification system.”
“All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line,” the TSA announced in a news release.
“Travelers who undergo TSA ConfirmID processing at an airport should expect delays,” the agency added.
After payment, travelers are cleared by TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period.
The federal REAL ID law was enacted more than 20 years ago as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Its enforcement has been delayed multiple times, however, and President Donald Trump’s administration began enforcing it in May. Under enforcement, a REAL ID or compliant form of photo identification is required to fly, even domestically, and access some federal properties.
Nearly 46% of Kentuckians — some 1.7 million state residents — have a state-issued REAL ID, the latest numbers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet show.
“Recent TSA data shows 96% of Kentucky travelers present an acceptable form of ID at airports in Kentucky and nationwide, matching the national average,” Allen Blair, deputy director of public affairs at KYTC, told the Herald-Leader via email Jan. 12.
If you’re confused about what counts as a REAL ID or don’t know how to get one in Kentucky, here’s what to know and how to avoid the new fee.
How do I get a REAL ID in Kentucky?
First, make sure that you don’t already have a valid REAL ID or acceptable substitute. The TSA lists many different forms of identification that can be used as a REAL ID when flying.
Other than a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card, they include a U.S. passport or passport card, a permanent resident card or a passport issued by a foreign government, among others.
If you don’t know whether your Kentucky driver’s license is REAL ID compliant, look for a white star enclosed by a black dot. That symbol denotes a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
If you don’t have a REAL ID and would like to get one, the first step is to gather some documents. Review the required documents at drive.ky.gov.
You’ll need the following documents to apply:
- One proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or a U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate.
- One proof of Social Security number. This could include your Social Security card, a recent W-2, paycheck stub or statement and related documents.
- Two proofs of Kentucky residency dated within the last year, if applicable. Think of your utility or telephone bill. A lease or rental agreement would also work. Your standard Kentucky driver’s license will also be accepted.
- One proof of name change. If your name has ever changed, through marriage for example, bring a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or a similar document. Marriage licenses won’t be accepted. You’ll be asked for this if the full name listed on your birth certificate is not your current name. Your name must also be updated on your Social Security record before applying.
Kentuckians requesting IDs can also use the state’s IDocument Guide, which features a quiz to help determine which documents you will need.
Pricing for an eight-year REAL ID-compliant Kentucky driver’s license is $48. For a REAL ID-compliant state identification card valid for eight years, the fee is $28.
Next, you’ll need to visit one of Kentucky’s regional driver licensing offices. You cannot obtain your REAL ID online in Kentucky, but there are options for those looking to renew. To find an office near you, visit drive.ky.gov’s Find An Office page.
You can book an appointment, but you may not need to, as wait times have been greatly reduced, according to Blair. Regional driver licensing offices were busier than usual last spring ahead of the May REAL ID enforcement date.
“In December 2025, average wait times for walk in customers and scheduled appointments was down to 11 mins,” Blair said.
In most cases, individuals receive their REAL ID within 10 to 15 days.