UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification will face a hefty $45 fee at airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced this urgent measure to enhance passenger safety and streamline identity verification for air travel.
The new fee will be applied to passengers who cannot present valid identification. Instead, they can opt for an alternative identity verification system called Confirm ID. Failure to pay the fee or get verified may result in denied access to security and the risk of missing flights. This includes passengers who have lost or had their IDs stolen.
“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety,” said Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA. He emphasized that the initiative is aimed at keeping terrorists and criminals out of the skies. Currently, around 94 percent of travelers already present acceptable IDs, such as REAL IDs and passports, making this change critical for those who have not complied.
This fee is part of ongoing updates to the REAL ID Act, which has been under discussion since 2005. The TSA’s Steve Lorincz stated, “The fee was necessary because we needed to modernize the system.” Initially proposed at $18, the fee was revised due to higher-than-anticipated operational costs associated with the verification system.
Travelers can pay the fee online through the U.S. Federal Government payment portal, pay.gov, either before arriving at the airport or at the security checkpoint. Once the fee is paid and identity is verified, clearance will be valid for 10 days. After this period, another payment will be required for further travel without a valid ID.
The verification process is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes, but the TSA cautions that it could extend to 30 minutes or more depending on individual verification needs. To avoid these delays and fees, officials strongly encourage travelers to obtain a REAL ID as soon as possible.
As this policy rolls out, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for their journeys to avoid unnecessary complications. The TSA’s proactive approach aims to enhance safety while ensuring that air travel remains accessible for all.
This new fee structure underscores the importance of compliance with identification regulations as air travel continues to rebound. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we approach the implementation date.
