TSA Introduces Higher $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

The Transportation Security Administration announced that, starting February 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at airport security without acceptable identification including REAL ID-compliant drivers licenses or passports will be required to pay a $45 fee for identity verification.

This new rule is part of the continued rollout of the REAL ID Act, which has faced years of delays since its passage. The updated verification program, known as Confirm.ID, grants passengers a 10-day window to travel once the non-refundable fee is paid. However, officials caution that verification is not guaranteed, and travelers may still be denied access to secure airport areas.

How the New Verification Process Works

Travelers who arrive at TSA screening without approved identification will be directed to complete the Confirm.ID process before entering the security line. The agency advises paying the fee online in advance to prevent additional wait times.

Those who complete identity verification at the airport may face processing times ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, and in some cases up to 30 minutes, increasing the risk of missing scheduled flights.

According to TSA leadership, identity checks play a critical role in protecting the public by preventing individuals who pose security risks from accessing air and other domestic transportation systems.

The agency had previously considered an $18 charge for the program but raised the amount to $45 after updated cost assessments showed higher-than-anticipated technology and operational expenses. Officials stated that the fee is designed to ensure that the costs associated with the program are covered by travelers rather than taxpayers.

Author: Connor Blake