New Real ID rules in effect at Sacramento International Airport. What to know

A new process beginning Sunday at Sacramento International Airport and other U.S. airports will allow passengers who lack a Real ID to still fly — for an extra fee.

The Transportation Security Administration began requiring Real ID cards to fly in the United States in May.

Now a new TSA ConfirmID system will allow passengers to establish their identity at security checkpoints without a Real ID, the agency said in a news release.

The new service requires an extra $45 fee, however.

Anyone trying to fly without an acceptable identification, such as a Real ID card, will be referred to TSA ConfirmID before entering the security line.

The process will vary from airport to airport, and the TSA is working to set up online payment in advance for the system.

More than 94% of passengers have Real IDs, the TSA said. It urged travelers to obtain a Real ID from the DMV as soon as possible.

This story was originally published February 1, 2026 at 10:22 AM.