Starting February 1, 2026, travelers in the United States who arrive at airport security without a real ID, passport, or other approved forms of identification will face a $45 fee for identity verification. This new requirement, introduced under the TSA’s Confirm.ID program, aims to streamline the process of verifying identities while ensuring the costs are covered by the travelers who are not properly prepared. The $45 fee will cover a 10-day travel period, allowing passengers to use it for multiple flights or round trips within that timeframe. As the policy rolls out, it has already sparked varied reactions among passengers, some of whom view the fee as a reasonable expense, while others consider it an unnecessary burden.

TSA officials have emphasized that most travelers already possess compliant identification. However, the fee will apply to those who either forget their real ID or have not yet obtained one. This new measure is part of the TSA’s broader efforts to modernize airport security and reduce the burden on taxpayers by ensuring that the costs of identity verification are borne by the passengers who require it. The fee applies to all travelers who arrive at airport security without a valid form of ID. The new charge has led to discussions about how it will affect passenger behavior and the air travel experience.

This policy change is expected to affect only a small percentage of travelers, as most individuals already carry a real ID or another federally approved form of identification. However, for the minority of travelers who do not meet the requirement, the fee provides an option to verify their identity and proceed with their travel plans. While TSA officials have assured that the verification process is straightforward, it may add time to the security process, leading to potential delays at busy airports. The shift represents an effort by TSA to manage its growing operational costs while ensuring that travelers are properly prepared for air travel.

The Real ID Act and Its Requirements

The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, was designed to set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Under this law, all states were required to issue IDs that met federal standards for security and authentication. However, the enforcement of the act was delayed multiple times, and travelers were given more time to obtain compliant identification. As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers will be required to present a Real ID-compliant license or another federally approved form of identification to pass through airport security.

A Real ID-compliant card is marked with a star in the upper portion of the license, signifying that it meets federal requirements. If a traveler does not possess a Real ID, they will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a military ID. The new TSA fee aims to provide an alternative for those who forget their ID or have not yet secured a Real ID. While most travelers will not be affected by the policy, it will provide a solution for those who find themselves unprepared.

This implementation is part of the broader federal effort to standardize identification across the country. The Real ID Act was designed to improve security measures and prevent identity fraud. For travelers, the act marks a significant change in how identification is processed at airports and other federal facilities. As the deadline for compliance approaches, travelers are encouraged to secure their Real ID well before the May 2025 cutoff to avoid potential delays and the $45 fee at TSA checkpoints.

How the $45 Fee Will Affect Travelers

The introduction of the $45 fee for travelers without a Real ID or other federally accepted ID will likely have different impacts depending on the region. At busy airports like those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where millions of passengers pass through security annually, even a small percentage of travelers needing identity verification will likely lead to longer wait times and more crowded security lines. Smaller regional airports may not experience the same volume, but they will still face some delays and additional administrative work to handle the verification process for unprepared travelers.

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While most travelers will not need to pay the fee, it will still be a source of inconvenience for the minority who arrive at the airport without the proper identification. Frequent flyers, in particular, will find the process cumbersome, as it adds time to an already time-consuming experience. TSA officials have indicated that biometric or biographic checks will be used for identity verification, which could take up to 15 minutes, leading to potential delays and longer security lines.

For some, the fee will be a small inconvenience compared to the cost of rebooking a flight or missing important travel plans. However, the new charge may also encourage more travelers to obtain a Real ID sooner, thus avoiding future disruptions. This policy is designed to help travelers who forget their ID or still haven’t secured a Real ID, but it also serves as a reminder to stay prepared for air travel, ensuring that everyone is able to meet federal requirements before heading to the airport.

The Economic Impact of the $45 Fee

The $45 fee serves a practical purpose by offsetting the costs of identity verification for travelers who arrive at airport security without the required documentation. TSA officials have pointed out that taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of verifying the identities of travelers who are unprepared. The fee ensures that the costs associated with biometric or biographic checks are covered by those directly affected, rather than by the general public. It is an example of how TSA is shifting the responsibility of extra verification costs from taxpayers to individual passengers.

While the fee may be a financial consideration for travelers, it is not expected to be a significant deterrent for most people. Frequent flyers who have already secured their Real ID will not be affected by the new fee. However, for travelers who forget their ID or have not yet obtained a compliant card, the $45 charge provides an alternative to canceling or rescheduling their flights. This balance between convenience and cost reflects TSA’s efforts to streamline security processes while managing operational expenses.

From a broader economic perspective, the $45 fee is part of TSA’s initiative to modernize air travel security. As technology advances, biometric verification is expected to play a more prominent role in the security process, improving efficiency and reducing wait times for all passengers. Although the fee may add an extra step to the process for some travelers, it could ultimately contribute to a smoother and faster airport experience in the future.

Preparing for the Future of Air Travel Security

As the deadline for Real ID compliance approaches, travelers are encouraged to take proactive steps to avoid delays and the $45 fee at TSA checkpoints. Ensuring that all passengers have the proper identification will help prevent long wait times and reduce the number of travelers who need to pay the verification fee. By securing a Real ID well before the May 2025 deadline, passengers can avoid the inconvenience of additional identity checks and ensure smoother passage through airport security.

For families traveling together, planning ahead is especially important. Securing Real IDs or passports ahead of time will help avoid any surprises at the airport. It is crucial to check the expiration dates on IDs and renew them if necessary before travel dates to ensure that everyone in the family has the required documentation for air travel.

The shift to requiring Real IDs for air travel, along with the introduction of the $45 fee for non-compliance, is part of a broader trend toward improving security and streamlining airport procedures. As technology continues to evolve, biometric systems and identity verification methods are likely to become more common, offering a faster and more efficient way for travelers to pass through security. By preparing in advance, travelers can help ensure that their air travel experience is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.