By TheNationalPulse | Source

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to charge U.S. air travelers who do not possess a Real ID, passport, or other form of approved identification a $45 fee beginning on February 1, 2026. While travelers who lack a Real ID or passport can still fly, they will be required to use the agency’s Confirm.ID system for identity verification, the cost of which will be covered by the fee.

According to TSA Chief of Staff Adam Stahl, the fee is intended as a mechanism to ensure that air travelers, and not U.S. taxpayers at large, provide the funding for Confirm.ID verification. After paying the $45 fee and undergoing verification, a passenger’s identity will be confirmed for a period of 10 days.

Implemented as a TSA travel requirement in May of 2025, Real ID is a federally compliant state driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID card that displays a black or gold star in the upper right corner. Passengers without these IDs will be directed to the Confirm.ID process during check-in at TSA security checkpoints. This process involves answering a series of questions to verify identity, after which a receipt is issued to present to screening agents.

Air travelers who possess a Real ID, U.S. passport, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card, or Enhanced Driver’s License, U.S. Department of War ID, permanent resident card, or border crossing card will not need to pay the fee. Notably, the TSA warns that passengers without federally compliant IDs will likely face increased wait times at airports while their identity is confirmed.

Currently, the TSA estimates over 94 percent of passengers at U.S. airports use a Real ID or other forms of acceptable identification.

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