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Do I need a REAL ID to fly out of San Diego airport?

4 min read Checked November 3, 2026 Report a correction

Yes, if you're 18 or older and using a driver's license: it must be a REAL ID (gold bear and star). A passport or Global Entry card works instead. Without one, TSA charges $45 for ConfirmID, which covers 10 days of travel.

No-REAL-ID fee
$45

TSA ConfirmID, since Feb. 1, 2026; covers 10 days

License fee
$46

Class C original or renewal (CA DMV)

ID card
$40

Free for 62+; $11 reduced-fee

Marking
Bear + star

Top corner of a REAL ID card

The short version

  • REAL ID enforcement at San Diego International Airport began May 7, 2025
  • Since Feb. 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID can pay TSA $45 for ConfirmID; it covers 10 days and isn't refundable
  • A California REAL ID has a golden bear and a star in the corner
  • The DMV wants an identity document plus two California residency documents; a Class C license costs $46 and an ID card $40
  • Californians 62 and older get a free ID card; kids under 18 don't need ID to fly domestically

For most adults flying out of San Diego International (SAN), the short answer is yes. Since May 7, 2025, TSA has required a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID at every U.S. airport checkpoint. Since February 1, 2026, there's a paid fallback if you show up without one. Here's what counts, what the fallback costs, and how to get a REAL ID in San Diego. Before your flight, check SAN parking costs and airport construction traffic.

$45

TSA ConfirmID fee

No acceptable ID; covers 10 days

$46

CA driver's license

Class C, original or renewal

94%+

Travelers already compliant

TSA figure, Feb. 2026

IDs that work at the checkpoint

  • California driver's license or ID card with the golden bear and star (REAL ID)
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Permanent resident card
  • Military / DoD ID
  • DHS trusted traveler card such as Global Entry or NEXUS
  • Temporary paper licenses are not accepted

How to get a REAL ID in San Diego

California DMV process

  1. 01

    Gather documents

    One identity document (a U.S. passport is preferred, or a certified U.S. birth certificate or permanent resident card) plus two different documents showing your California address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Changed your name? Bring a marriage certificate or court order for each change.

  2. 02

    Apply online first

    Fill out the DMV's online REAL ID application, upload your documents and save the confirmation code.

  3. 03

    Visit a DMV office

    Bring the original documents and your confirmation code. The DMV notes there are no written tests after 4:30 p.m., if you need one.

  4. 04

    Pay the regular fee

    There's no separate REAL ID fee listed. A Class C license is $46, and a standard ID card is $40. ID cards are free at 62 or older, and a reduced-fee ID is $11 if you qualify.

Is this still right?

We last checked this tip against its sources on November 3, 2026, and we re-research every tip on a schedule. Things in San Diego change, sometimes overnight.

Prices, fees, hours and rules change, often at the start of a year or season. Confirm with the official source linked below before you rely on a number.

This is general information, not legal, financial, tax, medical or safety advice.

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