by Washington, D.C. — Starting February 1, 2026, air passengers in the United States who attempt to fly without a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification will be required to pay a $45 fee, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Monday.
The fee will cover the cost of additional identity verification for passengers who arrive at airports without an acceptable ID. Until now, travelers without a REAL ID could typically pass through security after extra screening, free of charge. The new system shifts the cost from taxpayers to the travelers who require the alternative verification process.
About REAL ID and Its Implementation
The REAL ID program, created by Congress in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks, sets stricter federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identity documents. Following nearly 20 years of delays, the program became mandatory for all domestic air travel in May 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that 94 percent of passengers are already compliant with REAL ID or other TSA-approved identification forms, including passports, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. Digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet are also accepted at more than 250 airports nationwide.
How the New Fee Will Work
Travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID or approved alternative will go through TSA’s Confirm.ID system, paying the $45 verification fee. Approval is not automatic, but once granted, it will remain valid for 10 days, after which the traveler must pay again if they fly without proper ID.
The exact process and payment options will vary by airport. TSA is working with private industry partners to allow travelers to pay online prior to arriving at the airport, minimizing delays.
Why the Fee Was Introduced
TSA officials say the alternative identification program is resource-intensive, requiring extra staff and time to verify identities. “Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems,” said TSA senior official Adam Stahl.
Initially, TSA proposed an $18 fee, but it was raised after officials realized the full cost of administering the program. The $45 charge ensures the cost of verifying insufficient IDs is borne by the traveler rather than taxpayers.
Advice for Travelers
TSA strongly encourages passengers to obtain a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification well in advance to avoid delays or missing flights. Acceptable alternatives include passports, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and federally recognized tribal IDs, as well as digital IDs available on mobile devices.
Will this new $45 fee impact your travel plans? Are you planning to get a REAL ID to avoid extra charges? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below — your feedback helps fellow travelers stay informed!
