What's Happening?
Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a $45 fee for domestic air travelers who do not possess a REAL ID or an accepted alternative form of identification. This fee is part of the TSA's new ConfirmID
program, which aims to verify the identity of travelers who lack the required identification. The REAL ID Act, which has been in effect since May 2025, mandates that travelers present a REAL ID-compliant card or other accepted forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. Despite years of advance notice, approximately 6% of U.S. airline passengers are still not complying with the REAL ID requirements. The fee is intended to cover the costs of alternate identity verification, which was previously funded by taxpayers.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID has significant implications for both travelers and the TSA. For travelers, this fee represents an additional cost and potential inconvenience, particularly for those who have not yet obtained a REAL ID-compliant card. The fee may also serve as an incentive for more travelers to obtain the necessary identification, thereby reducing the number of passengers who require alternate identity verification. For the TSA, the fee helps offset the costs associated with verifying the identities of travelers without REAL IDs, ensuring that the agency can maintain its security protocols without relying on taxpayer funding. This development underscores the importance of compliance with federal identification requirements and highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance security measures in air travel.
What's Next?
Travelers who do not have a REAL ID or an accepted alternative will need to pay the $45 ConfirmID fee online before going through airport security. The fee is valid for 10 days from the first date of travel, and travelers must present the payment receipt at airport security. The TSA will attempt to verify the traveler's identity, but there is no guarantee that the verification will be successful. Travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be denied boarding. As the REAL ID Act continues to be enforced, it is expected that more travelers will obtain the necessary identification to avoid the fee and ensure a smoother travel experience.
