The government has been pushing Americans to get a REAL ID for years and is tired of those who are dragging their feet. Soon, passengers who fly will have to pay the price.
As part of a new initiative, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that passengers without a REAL ID will need to pay a $45 fee for verification through an “alternative identity verification system” called TSA Confirm.ID. It is planned to be used at security checkpoints starting February 1, 2026.
Read more: REAL ID is turning into a real nightmare as only 56% of driver’s licenses are compliant
It’s a high price, but it will allow travelers to continue flying without a REAL ID. The $45 fee will also be valid for a 10-day travel period, so it should cover some emergency round trips or last-minute vacations.
Despite this, the TSA urged travelers without a REAL ID to make an appointment at their local DMV as soon as possible to update their driver’s license. At the same time, other forms of identification are acceptable and will allow travelers to avoid paying for TSA Confirm.ID. Among the more popular options are a U.S. passport or a Department of Defense ID.
The TSA reports that over 94% of passengers already use REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification. However, those who do not will soon be “directed to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification during TSA check-in and before entering the security line.”
The details are unclear, and “the process will vary depending on the airport,” but these passengers should expect increased wait times.
TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl stated: “The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification, such as REAL ID or passports, but we must ensure that everyone who flies is who they say they are.”
He also noted that the $45 fee “ensures the cost of verifying insufficient identification is covered by the traveler, not the taxpayer.”