Massachusetts Residents Prepare for Real ID Requirements at Logan Airport

Deadlines loom as TSA fees kick in for travelers without federally compliant IDs

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:47am

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Starting February 1, air travelers at Boston's Logan Airport and around the country will need a Real ID or passport to avoid TSA fees. Massachusetts officials say 65% of residents have the federally required identification, but getting a Real ID requires an in-person appointment at the Registry of Motor Vehicles or a AAA office, with specific documentation needed.

Why it matters

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. With the upcoming TSA fee requirement, Massachusetts residents who don't have a Real ID-compliant license could face additional costs and delays when traveling by air.

The details

To get a Real ID in Massachusetts, residents need to make an in-person appointment at the RMV or a AAA office. The process costs $25 to upgrade an existing license, and travelers can expect to wait up to 3 weeks to receive their new ID in the mail. Applicants must bring original or certified documents that show proof of lawful presence, two proofs of Massachusetts residency, and proof of a full Social Security number.

  • The Real ID requirement at airports nationwide goes into effect on February 1, 2026.
  • Massachusetts currently has a 65% Real ID compliance rate among residents.

The players

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for issuing driver's licenses and ID cards, including Real ID-compliant credentials.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency that oversees security screening at U.S. airports, including the new Real ID requirement for air travel.

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What’s next

Massachusetts residents who don't have a Real ID-compliant license should make an appointment at the RMV or a AAA office as soon as possible to obtain the required identification before the February 1 deadline.

The takeaway

The upcoming Real ID requirement at U.S. airports highlights the importance for Massachusetts residents to ensure they have the proper identification to avoid additional costs and delays when traveling by air. With 65% compliance so far, there is still work to be done to help all state residents meet the new federal standards.