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Wedding TransportationSprinter Van ServiceEvent TransportationRoadshow TransportationCity-to-CityPrivate AviationFamily Car ServiceREAL ID enforcement is active at every TSA checkpoint in the United States. If you are flying domestically from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark in 2026, here is everything you need to know about compliant identification — and what happens if you do not have one.
Since May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires every domestic air traveler to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (identifiable by a gold star in the upper corner) or an acceptable alternative — such as a valid US passport, passport card, or military ID — at security checkpoints. Standard driver’s licenses without the gold star are no longer accepted.
If you are flying from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark without a compliant ID, TSA may attempt to verify your identity through the ConfirmID system — but that process costs $6, adds 15–20 minutes, and is not guaranteed to work. The simplest approach: get your REAL ID before your next trip, or carry your passport.
This guide covers how to get a REAL ID in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, what alternatives are accepted, and airport-specific tips for travelers using car service to NYC-area airports.
REAL ID is a federal security standard for state-issued identification, established by the REAL ID Act of 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.
The REAL ID Act set minimum standards for how states verify identity before issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. A REAL ID-compliant license means the state verified your identity, Social Security number, and residency using original or certified documents — not just a previous license.
Before May 7, 2025, TSA accepted standard (non-compliant) driver’s licenses at checkpoints. The enforcement deadline was postponed multiple times — originally scheduled for 2008, then delayed to 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020, 2023, and finally 2025. As of May 7, 2025, enforcement is active nationwide at all TSA checkpoints.
Enforcement is no longer a future date — it has been active since May 2025 and is impacting real travelers at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark every day.
Travelers who present non-compliant IDs at TSA face delays of 15–20 minutes or more while ConfirmID attempts verification. During peak travel periods at JFK Terminal 4 or Newark Terminal B, this can mean missing your boarding window.
As of February 1, 2026, TSA charges a $6 fee for each ConfirmID verification attempt. This fee applies every time you fly without a compliant ID — it adds up quickly for frequent travelers. Full ConfirmID guide.
ConfirmID is not guaranteed to work. If the system cannot verify your identity through its database checks, you may be denied entry through the TSA checkpoint entirely — meaning you cannot board your flight.
For business travelers on tight schedules, the risk of a 20-minute TSA delay or potential denial is significant. Corporate travel managers across the Tri-State area are updating travel policies to require REAL ID compliance for all domestic flights.
Checking your license takes 5 seconds. Here is what to look for.
Gold Star Present
Upper-right corner of the license
No Gold Star
May say “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION”
How to get a REAL ID in each state within our service area. Requirements and costs vary by state.
NY DMV REAL ID page — schedule an appointment before visiting.
You do not need a REAL ID specifically — several other forms of identification are accepted at TSA checkpoints.
| ID Type | Domestic Flights | International Air | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| REAL ID Driver’s License (gold star) | Accepted | Not accepted | Most common compliant ID |
| US Passport (book) | Accepted | Accepted | Most versatile ID; bulkier to carry |
| US Passport Card | Accepted | Not for air travel | Wallet-sized; works for land/sea border crossings |
| Enhanced Driver’s License (NY only) | Accepted | Canada/Mexico land only | American flag marking; +$30 in NY |
| Military ID (DoD CAC) | Accepted | Varies by country | Active duty, reserve, dependents |
| Global Entry Card | Accepted | Not accepted | DHS Trusted Traveler program |
| NEXUS Card | Accepted | US-Canada only | DHS Trusted Traveler program |
| Standard License (no star) | NOT accepted | NOT accepted | Rejected since May 7, 2025 |
For a detailed comparison of all ID options, see our REAL ID vs Passport vs Enhanced License guide.
If you arrive at a TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, here is the current process.
The TSA officer identifies your license as non-REAL ID compliant (no gold star).
TSA uses the ConfirmID system to attempt identity verification through biometric matching and database checks. This is an automated process at the checkpoint.
As of February 1, 2026, each ConfirmID verification attempt incurs a $6 fee. This fee is collected electronically at the checkpoint.
If ConfirmID verifies your identity, you proceed through security (after the additional 15–20 minutes). If it fails, you may be denied boarding entirely.
ConfirmID is not a reliable backup plan
ConfirmID verification is not guaranteed to succeed. It depends on database availability and the quality of your identity records in federal systems. Do not rely on ConfirmID as your plan — get a REAL ID or carry an acceptable alternative. Full ConfirmID guide.
TSA checkpoint locations, PreCheck availability, and timing recommendations for each NYC-area airport.
JFK handles over 60 million passengers annually. Terminal 4 (Delta hub) is the busiest domestic terminal. If you are using ConfirmID, add 30 minutes to your recommended arrival time. JFK car service details.
LaGuardia serves primarily domestic routes and is the most popular airport for NYC business travelers. The recently renovated terminal facilities have improved security flow, but morning rush periods can still produce 30–45 minute TSA lines. LaGuardia car service details.
Newark is a major United Airlines hub (Terminal C) and serves travelers from both New Jersey and New York. The new Terminal A has streamlined security screening, but Terminal B and C can still have extended wait times during peak hours. Your license state does not matter — NY REAL IDs are accepted at EWR, and NJ REAL IDs work at JFK and LGA. Newark car service details.
Do not wait until the week before your flight. Here is a realistic timeline for getting your REAL ID.
Locate your birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of residency. If you cannot find your birth certificate, ordering a replacement can take 2–6 weeks depending on the state.
Most states allow online appointment scheduling. Walk-in availability varies — NJ MVC offices in particular can have multi-hour waits without an appointment.
Bring all required documents. The visit typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on the office. You will receive a temporary paper document and your REAL ID card by mail.
Your REAL ID card arrives by mail in 1–3 weeks depending on the state. Until it arrives, carry your passport as a backup for air travel.
Common questions about REAL ID requirements at NYC-area airports.
Yes. As of May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a gold star) or an acceptable alternative such as a valid US passport, passport card, military ID, or DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) for domestic air travel. Standard driver's licenses without the gold star are no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Look for a gold star (sometimes in a circle) in the upper-right corner of your driver's license. If your license has the star, it is REAL ID compliant. If there is no star, it is a standard license and will NOT be accepted at TSA checkpoints for boarding domestic flights. Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by New York State have a different marking (American flag) and are also accepted.
If you present a non-compliant ID at a TSA checkpoint, you may be directed to TSA's ConfirmID digital identity verification service. As of February 1, 2026, ConfirmID charges a $6 fee per use and adds approximately 15-20 minutes to your TSA processing time. Verification is not guaranteed — if ConfirmID cannot verify your identity, you may be denied boarding.
Yes. A valid US passport (book or card) is accepted at all TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. Many frequent travelers carry their passport as a backup even if they have a REAL ID, since it serves as both domestic and international identification. A passport card is smaller and easier to carry than the full passport book.
Visit any New York State DMV office with the required documents: proof of identity (birth certificate or valid passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of New York residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.). A standard REAL ID is available at no extra cost when renewing your license. An Enhanced Driver's License costs $30 more and also satisfies TSA requirements.
Visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. New Jersey uses a "6 points of ID" system — you must present documents totaling at least 6 points from approved categories: primary ID (birth certificate, passport), secondary ID (Social Security card, bank card), and address verification (utility bill, bank statement). Appointments are recommended as MVC offices can have long wait times.
No. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program — it speeds up the security screening process (keep shoes on, laptop in bag) but does not replace the REAL ID requirement. You still need a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other acceptable ID to pass through the TSA checkpoint, even with PreCheck. However, your Global Entry or NEXUS card itself is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID.
The state that issued your license does not matter — what matters is whether it is REAL ID compliant. A New York REAL ID (with gold star) is accepted at Newark, and a New Jersey REAL ID is accepted at JFK or LaGuardia. TSA is a federal agency with uniform requirements at all US airports regardless of which state the airport is in.
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Get your REAL ID sorted, then let us handle the ride to the airport. Vetted chauffeurs, flight tracking, and curbside drop-off at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
Last updated: February 23, 2026
True North VIP is a New York City-based premium chauffeur and black car service. The company provides airport transfers to JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro, and Westchester County airports, along with hourly charters, corporate ground transportation, wedding and event service, and city-to-city travel. Service covers all five NYC boroughs, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester County, Long Island, and the Hamptons, with vetted professional chauffeurs and a fleet of executive sedans, luxury sedans, SUVs, and Sprinter vans available 24/7.
To book a ride, visit truenorthvip.com/book or call +1‑347‑321‑9929.
