Air travelers who do not carry a Real ID or other federally approved identification will face a new $45 fee starting February 1, 2026. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out this charge as part of its ConfirmID program, designed to verify the identity of passengers who lack compliant identification.
Instead of being denied boarding, travelers without Real IDs or acceptable alternative IDs will go through an additional identity verification process. The ConfirmID program asks passengers to answer a series of security questions to confirm their identity. This includes travelers using passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, or other forms of federally approved identification.
The $45 fee covers identity verification for up to 10 days and is intended to offset the cost of additional screening for passengers who do not have a Real ID. TSA encourages travelers to pay the fee online before arriving at the airport to avoid delays. Payment methods include debit or credit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, and Venmo. Travelers who do not pay in advance may experience extended security screening times, potentially adding up to 30 minutes to their airport check-in process.
While the fee is a new requirement, TSA continues to recommend that all passengers obtain a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification. Officials note that about 94% of travelers are already compliant, meaning most passengers will not be affected. Many travelers may already have an acceptable alternative ID in their wallets, such as a passport, without realizing it.
The ConfirmID program will be implemented at airports nationwide, with procedures varying by location. Experts warn that while the program ensures that travelers without Real IDs can still fly, it may slow overall security processing. The fee is not expected to generate significant revenue but ensures that the cost of extra screening is covered by passengers rather than taxpayers.
Travelers planning to fly without a Real ID are encouraged to review TSA’s list of acceptable forms of identification and complete any required online payment in advance. This step will help prevent delays and reduce the risk of missed flights.
