Illinoisans: Why You Need A REAL ID Starting February 1st

If you've got a trip coming up, time is running out to get your REAL ID.

Starting February 1st, travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will be hit with a $45 fee just to get through airport security. Yep, you could literally pay $45 to wave at the TSA before your flight.

The fee is part of the Transportation Security Administration's Confirm ID program, which is meant to verify travelers' identities. According to TSA officials, the money will go toward covering costs of operating the system and its technology. Sounds fancy, but the takeaway here is simple: if you're planning to fly soon, don't go to the airport without a REAL ID or $45 cash.

Illinois Real ID via Facebook

Travelers are also advised to upload all their documents in advance through a future online portal. If you end up skipping that part, you might face delays at the airport, and nobody wants to be stuck when your gate is closing.

So what really counts as acceptable form of ID? Here are a few:

REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state-issued photo IDs
State-issued enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID
U.S. passport
DHS Trusted Traveler cards like Global Entry or NEXUS

Check out the full list of compliant identification here.

Basically, if your ID isn't on the list, like a standard Driver's License that ISN'T REAL ID-compliant, you'll have to spend extra time going through TSA's ConfirmID process before you get in line for security. That means more time, more stress, and you might just miss your flight.

February 1st is when the $45 fee kicks in, so either get your REAL ID (I haven't, I've been procrastinating) or fork over the cash!