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6 Hidden Costs of Getting a REAL ID

The costs of a Real ID don't end with the sticker price.

By Sarah Sharkey , Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Aug. 21, 2026

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If you've been looking for easy ways to travel more, boarding a domestic flight at your nearby airport opens the door to many destinations. The idea of a REAL ID has been thrown around for decades. However, the federal government has finally mandated a REAL ID for people boarding domestic flights. A non-REAL ID won't get you through a U.S. airport anymore.

This guide explores the hidden costs faced by those rushing to obtain this new documentation.

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1. Long DMV wait times

In many states, drivers can obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. But this means running the unfriendly gauntlet of the DMV. For many, the DMV represents an inefficient operation seemingly designed to waste countless hours of your time.

Since time equals money, long DMV wait times can cost anyone seeking a REAL ID. That's especially true because the DMV is often only open during weekday business hours, which usually coincide with regular work hours. Anyone with a busy work schedule seeking a REAL ID before the deadline must squeeze some time off to accomplish this task.

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2. Additional documentation

You must provide extra documentation to prove your identity to get a Real ID. The required documentation can take time and money to procure before you reach the point of applying for your REAL ID.

For example, you'll likely need documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of address, and more. Gathering this information can be especially cumbersome for anyone who has changed their name or doesn't have their Social Security card handy.

3. REAL ID fee

In some states, you must pay a Real ID fee in addition to your driver's license fee. For example, in Montana, you must pay an additional $25 to add a REAL ID to your driver's license. That's on top of the cost of your driver's license.

Although this isn't the case in every state, some Americans will face higher costs for this documentation.

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4. Travel disruption

If you are in the process of obtaining your REAL ID, it might take longer than you expect. After all, most paperwork processes involving the government take more time than you might initially think. Unfortunately, receiving your REAL ID could lead to travel delays.

The good news is that you can use your passport as an alternative form of ID. If you have a passport, that puts less pressure on getting your REAL ID squared away and may help you save money on travel in the meantime.

5. Opportunity costs

Even if the actual cost of getting your REAL ID feels affordable to you within your state, you'll likely spend more time than you'd like to while navigating the process. The opportunity costs can add up quickly. After all, you could spend time working, building a side hustle, running errands, or relaxing with family. Each has better returns on your time investment than procuring this extra documentation for your wallet.

6. Stress

For many, including myself, adding another task to my endless to-do list is stress-inducing. Unfortunately, you can't skip this task if you plan to fly out of a U.S. airport.

Stress can negatively impact everything from our mindset to our physical health, which is another way getting a REAL ID might negatively impact you.

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Bottom line

The cost of getting a REAL ID can add up quickly. For many, the costs go beyond the simple price tag.

As you offset some of these costs, look for other ways to keep more cash in your wallet to balance this expense in your budget.

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