Here’s what Americans need to know.
Americans planning to fly without a REAL ID are about to feel it in their wallets.
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at airport security without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification will be charged a $45 airport security fee, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Federal officials say the new fee is designed to cover the cost of a recently launched identity verification system — and to make sure taxpayers are no longer footing the bill for travelers who fail to bring proper ID.
What Is the New TSA Fee?
The $45 charge applies to passengers who reach the TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification and choose to use TSA ConfirmID, a new identity verification process.
“Travelers who are not compliant will have the option to pay $45 and use the ConfirmID process,” said Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of TSA deputy administrator. “This ensures non-compliant travelers — not American taxpayers — pay the cost.”
The fee must be paid before travelers are allowed to proceed through security.
REAL ID Rules Are Already in Effect
The federal REAL ID requirement officially took effect in May 2025. Since then, travelers without REAL ID have been required to bring alternative identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license.
TSA has repeatedly warned that passengers whose identities cannot be verified will not be allowed past security and could miss their flights.
Under the new policy, travelers without acceptable ID may still be denied access if verification fails.
What Happens If You Don’t Have REAL ID?
Passengers who choose TSA ConfirmID must provide their legal name, home address, and date of birth. The process can take 30 minutes or longer, especially during busy travel periods.
Even after verification and payment, TSA warns travelers may face:
- Additional screening
- Extra identity checks
- Longer wait times
- Potential missed flights
“If you choose not to use ConfirmID and don’t have acceptable identification, you may not be permitted through security,” TSA warned.
Temporary Fix — Not a Long-Term Solution
TSA ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days, meaning travelers typically won’t need to repeat the process for a return flight within that window.
Still, TSA officials strongly recommend bringing proper identification instead of relying on the backup system.
According to TSA data released in December 2025, about 94% of travelers are already REAL ID-compliant.
You Might Already Have REAL ID
Many Americans already have a REAL ID and don’t realize it.
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards display a star in the upper corner. The star may be black or gold, filled in or outlined.
Some states — including Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont — also issue enhanced driver’s licenses, which are marked with a flag instead of a star.
These enhanced licenses include a chip that allows easier land and sea travel from Canada, Mexico, or parts of the Caribbean. Standard REAL IDs cannot be used for border crossings.
Acceptable ID Alternatives at TSA Checkpoints
In place of a REAL ID, TSA will accept several other forms of identification, including:
- U.S. passport
- Department of Defense ID (including dependent IDs)
- Tribal-issued photo IDs and Enhanced Tribal Cards
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- DHS trusted traveler cards
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Some expired IDs may still be accepted up to two years after expiration, depending on the document.
Bottom Line for Travelers
TSA officials say the safest move is simple: bring proper identification.
“To avoid delays or missed flights, travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before arriving at the airport,” Stahl said.
For Americans heading to the airport in 2026, the message is clear:
Check your ID before you leave home — or be prepared to pay the price.