New TSA Policy: $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID from February 2026
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a significant policy change set to impact millions of U.S. air travelers. Starting from February 1, 2026, passengers arriving at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification will be subject to a non-refundable $45 fee. This fee is for an alternative identity verification process, known as TSA Confirm.ID.
The fee, which can be paid online in advance or at the airport, covers a 10-day travel period. It also includes an additional biometric screening process that could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. The charge is more than double the initially proposed $18 fee, reflecting higher technology and operational costs than originally projected.
According to TSA officials, approximately 94% of travelers already possess acceptable identification. These include REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses marked with a star symbol, passports, military IDs, or other federally approved documents. The new fee aims to shift verification costs from taxpayers to passengers who require the additional service. It also encourages broader REAL ID compliance.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 following the 9/11 attacks, established minimum security standards for state-issued identification. After multiple delays, enforcement began in May 2025, with passengers previously receiving warnings for non-compliance.
Industry experts recommend obtaining a REAL ID well before travel dates to avoid delays and additional costs during busy airport periods.