The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on Monday that starting February 1, 2026, U.S. air travelers arriving at airport security without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative form of identification will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $45.
This fee aims to ensure that the costs associated with the new verification system are covered by travelers, not taxpayers, according to TSA official Adam Stahl.
The TSA is the federal agency overseeing security screening in U.S. commercial airports, involving various critical tasks such as passenger and baggage screenings, managing secure area access, enforcing security regulations, and using detection technology to prevent dangerous items from boarding aircraft.
The initiative, named “Confirm.ID,” allows individuals without a REAL ID to verify their identity through enhanced biometric and biographic screening instead of facing outright boarding denial. Travelers can pay the fee and complete identity verification online via TSA.gov or directly at the airport.
Key aspects of the new rule include:
- The $45 fee covers a 10-day travel period, which allows for multiple flights or round trips.
- People with valid U.S. passports, military IDs, Permanent Resident Cards, or specific tribal IDs are exempt.
- Children under 18 do not need ID when traveling with an adult.
- The fee has increased from the initial proposal of $18 outlined in a November 2025 Federal Register notice due to updated TSA cost estimates.
REAL ID enforcement fully began on May 7, ending years of delays since the law’s introduction in 2005. Currently, TSA estimates indicate about 6% of domestic travelers still lack a compliant ID or suitable alternative.
Travelers using the Confirm.ID process should expect verification to take roughly 10 to 30 minutes, as they will be redirected from the standard security line. Those who do not wish to pay or complete the process will not be permitted to fly.
The TSA recommended that individuals obtain a REAL ID at their state DMV as soon as possible, highlighting that appointments are filling up quickly across many areas. For those who cannot or choose not to get a REAL ID, a valid U.S. passport is the easiest fallback option.
For more details, travelers can check TSA.gov/real-id.
