TSA Introduces $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID Beginning February 2026

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that beginning February 1, 2026, travelers arriving at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or passport will be required to pay a $45 fee for identity verification through the new TSA Confirm.ID system.

Travelers who lack an acceptable form of identification can still fly by paying the fee and completing the TSA Confirm.ID process, which covers identity verification for a 10-day travel window.

Fee Increase from Original Proposal

The $45 fee is significantly higher than the initially proposed $18 fee, which was suggested in November 2025. The increase reflects the costs of TSAs modernized identity verification program for passengers without an Acceptable Form of Identification (AFOID), such as a REAL ID or passport.

How TSA Confirm.ID Works

The TSA Confirm.ID system allows travelers to verify their identity online before arriving at the airport. Passengers without REAL IDs answer a series of questions to confirm their identity and receive a verification receipt to present at the checkpoint along with any other ID they may have.

All travelers without compliant identification, including those with non-REAL ID state licenses, will be directed to the TSA Confirm.ID process before entering the security line.

Expected Delays

The identity verification process may take 10 to 15 minutes on average, with some cases extending to 30 minutes or longer. TSA warns that completing the process does not guarantee clearance through security. Travelers arriving without an acceptable ID may be required to step out of the line to complete the online verification, which could cause additional delays, especially during busy periods.

Cost Recovery

TSA officials stated that the fee is intended to recover costs associated with identity verification rather than burden taxpayers. The $45 charge covers administrative and IT expenses linked to the new verification system.

REAL ID Compliance Rates

Currently, over 94% of travelers use REAL IDs or other acceptable identification, meaning the fee will apply to a small portion of passengers. TSA hopes the fee will further encourage travelers to obtain compliant identification.

Acceptable Forms of ID

Travelers can avoid the fee by presenting a REAL ID-compliant drivers license, U.S. or foreign passport, U.S. passport card, or DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.

Implementation and Airport Variations

The TSA Confirm.ID process may differ by airport. Travelers are encouraged to complete the verification and pay the fee online before arriving at the airport to reduce delays. For those who do not complete the process in advance, information and payment options will be available at designated airport locations near security checkpoints.

REAL ID Background

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, was implemented more than 20 years later under President Trump, with enforcement beginning on May 7, 2025. Previous administrations delayed full implementation.

Traveler Advice

Travelers without a REAL ID are urged to obtain one from their local Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible. Those needing to travel before acquiring compliant identification should complete the TSA Confirm.ID process and pay the $45 fee online to minimize delays and avoid potential missed flights.

Author: Riley Thompson