Flying without a REAL ID? TSA announces new $45 airport charge in US from February 2026

New TSA fee for missing REAL ID

Starting in February 2026, air travelers in the United States who arrive at the airport without a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license, passport, or another accepted identification document will face a new federal fee of about $45 if they still want to fly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing this charge as part of the rollout and enforcement of REAL ID requirements for domestic air travel.

When the fee applies

From February 1, 2026, passengers who show up at security checkpoints without a REAL ID or approved alternative will be directed into an identity‑verification process instead of being turned away immediately. To continue their trip, they will need to pay the fee and complete additional checks before being allowed through security screening.

TSA Confirm.ID verification system

The fee gives travelers access to a modernized verification procedure known as TSA Confirm.ID, which is designed for situations when a passenger lacks an acceptable ID at the checkpoint. Under this system, TSA uses biographic and other data sources to confirm the traveler’s identity before letting them proceed to the regular security lanes.

Cost and duration of coverage

The charge is set at $45 and covers a 10‑day travel window, meaning it can apply to round trips or multiple flights taken within that period. This amount is significantly higher than an earlier proposal that suggested an $18 fee for the same purpose, but authorities state that the higher figure better reflects the cost of running the verification program.

How travelers pay the fee

Passengers without valid identification will be required to pay the fee electronically, such as through an online federal payment portal, before reaching the first TSA checkpoint. After paying, travelers receive proof of payment that they must show to TSA officers, who then direct them into the Confirm.ID identity‑verification process.

Who is affected by the rule

The rule focuses on people who either never obtained a REAL ID‑compliant license or ID card or who arrive without any of the other accepted documents like a passport, trusted‑traveler card, or military ID. It can also apply to travelers whose REAL ID or passport has been lost, stolen, or forgotten shortly before their flight, as long as they choose to undergo the paid verification instead of canceling their trip.

Why TSA says the fee is needed

TSA explains that confirming the identity of passengers without proper documents requires extra technology, staff time, and data‑verification tools that are not covered by ordinary security fees. The agency argues that shifting these added costs directly to the travelers who use the service ensures that the wider flying public does not subsidize this special verification process.

REAL ID enforcement background

REAL ID is a federal security standard for state‑issued driver’s licenses and ID cards that was created to tighten identification rules for access to certain federal facilities and for boarding domestic flights. After several delays, REAL ID‑compliant identification became mandatory for U.S. domestic air travel, and the new fee structure is part of the final enforcement phase to handle those who still arrive at airports unprepared.

Impact on most travelers

Authorities estimate that the vast majority of passengers already hold a compliant REAL ID or an alternative acceptable document, so only a small share of flyers are expected to pay the new charge. However, for travelers who occasionally forget their wallets or misplace identification documents before a trip, this new system turns what used to be a discretionary identity‑verification exception into a defined, paid service.

Practical advice for passengers

To avoid the extra cost and potential delays, travelers are encouraged to obtain a REAL ID‑compliant license or carry another accepted ID such as a passport well before their planned departure date. Checking ID validity, renewal dates, and compliance with REAL ID standards ahead of time can eliminate the need to rely on the $45 Confirm.ID process at the airport.

Author summary: From February 2026, U.S. flyers without a REAL ID or equivalent face a $45 TSA verification fee, making advance compliance the simplest way to avoid extra cost and delays.

The Financial Express — 2025-12-01