TSA to Charge $45 Fee for Flying Without REAL ID — What Travelers Need to Know

What’s Changing: TSA’s New Fee for Non-Compliant Travelers

The TSA recently announced that beginning February 1, 2026, air travelers who arrive at a U.S. airport security checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other acceptable identification will now be required to pay a $45 non-refundable fee to clear security.

This marks a significant increase from the fee originally proposed when the agency first floated an alternative verification process in late 2025. Under that proposal, the fee was set at just $18.

TSA says the fee is required to fund a new “alternative identity verification” program — known as Confirm ID — which will allow certain travelers without compliant IDs to submit either biographic or biometric verification in lieu of a REAL ID or passport.

How Confirm ID and the New Fee Will Work

• Travelers who lack a REAL ID or acceptable ID can choose to go through the Confirm ID process, pay the $45 fee, and attempt identity verification via TSA’s alternative system.

• The verification can be initiated online before travel or at the airport (though at-airport verification may add 10–30 minutes to security wait times).

• If identity can be verified, travelers are permitted through security. If not, they risk being turned away — the fee is non-refundable.

• The fee covers access for a 10-day window — intended to accommodate many round-trip journeys.

TSA officials stated the increase from $18 to $45 stems from higher costs associated with deploying and maintaining the technology, infrastructure, and administrative overhead needed for the alternative verification program.

Background: Why This Matters and Who’s Affected

The REAL ID Act and Its Implementation

The REAL ID Act — first passed in 2005 — establishes federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities. Although enforcement has faced numerous delays, the new TSA policy marks a renewed push to ensure compliance by requiring acceptable ID or payment for verification.

Who Is At Risk?

• Travelers who only have a standard state-issued driver license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant

• People whose passport or other acceptable ID is expired or unavailable

• Passengers who might forget to bring proper documentation — including older adults, students, occasional flyers, or people with complex housing or documentation situations

Because TSA has said roughly 94% of air travelers already use REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, most people may avoid the fee. But the policy change puts a premium on compliance — and increases cost for those who aren’t prepared.

What Travelers Should Do to Avoid the Fee

If you plan to fly soon, consider the following precautions:

• Obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable ID before your next flight. This is the most reliable way to avoid additional charges or risk of denial.

• If you lack compliant ID, complete the Confirm ID process ahead of time — pay the fee online via TSA.gov or the federal payment portal, and bring the confirmation receipt to the checkpoint.

• Allow extra time at the airport, as identity verification under the alternative program can take 10 to 30 minutes or more, depending on passenger volume and verification requirements.

• Be prepared for no guarantee — even with payment and submission, identity verification may fail and the traveler may still be denied boarding.

Broader Implications: Security, Equity, and Cost Burden

This new fee and identity-verification program has implications beyond mere administrative formality:

• Cost Shift to Travelers: By charging $45 per person, TSA shifts the financial burden of identity verification from taxpayers to travelers — including infrequent flyers or people who cannot easily access a REAL ID.

• Potential Access Disparities: Marginalized communities, low-income individuals, or people with unstable living situations may disproportionately rely on standard IDs — and now face additional fees or denial.

• Travel Uncertainty for Last-Minute Flights: Travelers who decide at the last minute to fly without compliant ID may be hit with unexpected delays, fees, or denial at the gate — causing missed flights or losses.

• Administrative Burden and Verification Risk: The Confirm ID process depends on successful identity matching, which may raise concerns about algorithmic verification, data handling, and potential rejections even for lawful travelers.

Legal Summary: What the New Rule Means Under U.S. Law

• The REAL ID Act provides federal authority for ID standards at airports and certain federal facilities.

• Under the new regulation, the fee is a properly authorized user charge under the federal rulemaking notice published in November 2025.

• The alternative verification program remains optional — travelers may still use an acceptable form of ID (passport, compliant license, etc.).

• The non-refundable fee and verification process do not guarantee passage — TSA retains discretion to deny access if identity cannot be satisfactorily confirmed.

• Operationally, the policy balances between enforcing federal security standards and offering a backup system — though at a fee and with potential inconvenience.

Bottom Line: Starting February 1, 2026, flying without a REAL ID or acceptable documentation will no longer just trigger secondary screening — it may cost you. For millions of Americans, the clock is ticking to upgrade their IDs or prepare to pay.

How to Get a REAL ID: A Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers Before the 2026 TSA Deadline

Why You Need a REAL ID Before 2026

Beginning February 1, 2026, the TSA will strictly enforce REAL ID requirements at all U.S. airport checkpoints. If you show up without a REAL ID, passport, or other compliant ID, you may be forced to pay TSA’s new $45 identity-verification fee — and risk delays or denial.

Getting a REAL ID now ensures:

✔ No extra TSA fees

✔ No missed flights

✔ Faster screening

✔ Compliance with federal travel law.

Here’s exactly how to get one, step by step.

Step 1 — Check Whether Your License Is Already REAL ID-Compliant

Most REAL ID licenses have:

• A gold star,

• A black star,

• A bear symbol (California),

• Or another state-specific authentication mark.

The marking is usually near the top right corner of your driver’s license or ID.

If your ID has a star, you already have a REAL ID.

If not — continue.

Step 2 — Gather the Required Documents

REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security, and proof of residency.

✔ 1. Proof of Identity (one of the following)

• Valid U.S. passport

• Certified birth certificate

• Certificate of naturalization

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Must be original — no photocopies.

✔ 2. Proof of Social Security Number (one of the following)

• Social Security card

• W-2 form with full SSN

• 1099 form with full SSN

• Paystub with full SSN

✔ 3. Two Proofs of Residency (any two of the following)

• Lease or rental agreement

• Utility bill (gas, water, electric, internet)

• Bank statement

• Credit card bill

• Mortgage statement

• Insurance document

• Voter registration card

Both must show your name and current address.

Step 3 — Locate Your DMV REAL ID Enrollment Office

Most states allow REAL ID processing only at:

• Designated DMV offices

• Select regional centers

• Driver licensing bureaus with in-person verification equipment

Tip: Search “REAL ID + your state DMV” to find the nearest location. Most DMVs have a dedicated REAL ID page with document checklists.

Step 4 — Make an Appointment (Highly Recommended)

REAL ID requires in-person processing. Many states allow walk-ins, but wait times can exceed 2–3 hours.

Making an appointment:

✔ Speeds up processing

✔ Helps you avoid long lines

✔ Ensures REAL ID staff is available

Step 5 — Bring ALL Required Documents to Your Appointment

You must bring original, unexpired documents (or certified copies where applicable).

DMVs will not accept:

✘ Photocopies

✘ Photos

✘ Digital scans

✘ Laminated birth certificates (in most states)

Step 6 — Complete Your REAL ID Application

At your in-person visit, you will:

• Submit documents

• Take a new photo

• Pay the REAL ID fee (varies by state: ~$25–$65)

• Confirm your address

• Sign electronically

Some states allow you to complete the form online before the appointment.

Step 7 — Receive Your REAL ID

Most REAL ID cards arrive by mail within:

• 1–4 weeks (depending on state processing times)

Some states issue a temporary paper license while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a REAL ID required to fly?

Beginning Feb. 1, 2026:

✔ YES, unless you have a passport or other TSA-approved ID.

Is my passport enough?

✔ YES — a passport is always acceptable for domestic flights.

Will TSA really charge the $45 fee?

✔ YES — TSA has confirmed the $45 “Confirm ID” fee will apply to anyone flying without a compliant ID.✔ The fee is non-refundable even if verification fails.

Do children need a REAL ID?

❌ NO — children under 18 do not need ID when flying with an adult.

REAL ID Legal Basis

REAL ID is authorized by the REAL ID Act of 2005, which sets federal security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards.

TSA Authority

TSA enforces REAL ID at airport checkpoints under federal aviation security regulations.

Travelers’ Rights

Travelers may use:

• REAL ID

• Passport

• Military ID

• DHS-approved alternatives

If they lack these, TSA may permit travel through alternative identity verification — but it is not guaranteed, and is subject to the newly-approved $45 fee.

Potential Disputes

Legal issues may arise when:

• Travelers are wrongfully denied boarding

• ID verification fails due to system error

• Fee payment is accepted but travel is still denied

• Biometric verification raises privacy concerns

Bottom Line

REAL ID simplifies identification at airports — failing to obtain one could cost you money, time, and possibly your flight.