I'm currently in Hong Kong. Traveling here wasn't fun. Remember last issue when I said I was trying out those jet lag tablets?

Well, I'm not sure what happened, but let me share my experience.

I had to use the bathroom 11 times on a 15-hour flight.

It might have been because of the jet lag tablets, but I'm not certain.

On my flight back home, I'm going to try the tablets again and hope for a better result.

Starting February 1, 2026, the TSA announced that passengers without an acceptable form of ID must pay a $45 fee to use a new identity verification system called TSA Confirm.ID at security checkpoints. Link

Here's the catch:

After that 10-day period ends, you'll have to pay another $45 if you still don't have a REAL ID. As you can see, this can get expensive very quickly.

So, if you don't have a REAL ID yet, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment at your local DMV to update your ID as soon as possible.

For those who are bad at planning ahead, don't worry—there are other forms of ID you can use in the meantime to avoid this $45 fee.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What happens if you don't have your REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID yet and still need to travel?

You have two options:

1. Pay for the service beforehand online

All travelers without an acceptable ID will be offered the "optional" TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification when they check in with TSA and before entering the security line.

2. Pay at the airport and possibly face delays

This process will be different at each airport, and TSA is working with private companies to offer online payment options before you arrive at the airport.

TSA expects longer wait times for passengers who don't provide an acceptable ID, so the writing is on the wall.

Bottom line: Starting February 1, travelers who don't present an acceptable form of ID at security checkpoints and still want to fly must pay a $45 fee and go through the TSA Confirm.ID process.

We don't need any more complexity in travel planning, so get your Real ID.

Keep traveling,

Andrew

For those who've already gotten a REAL ID: What was your biggest hurdle or pro-tip?