URGENT UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable form of identification will incur a hefty $45 fee at airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that passengers who cannot present valid ID will be required to use an alternative identity verification system called Confirm ID, which comes with this new charge.
This significant change is poised to impact countless travelers, especially those who lose their ID or have it stolen. Failure to pay the fee or successfully verify their identity could mean being denied access to security checkpoints, potentially causing missed flights.
Adam Stahl, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA, emphasized the necessity of identity verification for traveler safety. “Identity verification is essential…because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies,” he stated. Currently, around 94 percent of travelers present valid identification, such as REAL IDs or passports, but the TSA insists on stringent measures for all flyers.
The REAL ID Act, which has been in discussion since 2005, mandates that travelers aged 18 and over must show either a REAL ID or another federally recognized form of ID for domestic flights. The introduction of the $45 fee aims to cover the operational and administrative costs associated with the Confirm ID system, ensuring that taxpayer money is not used for verifying non-compliant travelers.
Initially, the TSA considered a lower fee of $18, but subsequent assessments indicated that higher costs necessitated the increase. TSA’s Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator for Security Operations, Steve Lorincz, noted, “The fee was necessary because we needed to modernize the system.”
Travelers can pay the fee easily through the official U.S. Federal Government payment portal, pay.gov, either before arriving at the airport or upon arrival. Once the fee is paid and the identity is verified, clearance will be valid for 10 days. After this period, travelers will need to pay the fee again for subsequent flights without a valid ID.
The verification process is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes, but travelers should be prepared for potential delays of up to 30 minutes or more, depending on individual verification requirements and wait times at the airport.
Despite this new measure, TSA officials strongly encourage all travelers to obtain a REAL ID to avoid the fee and minimize travel disruptions. As the deadline approaches, it is crucial for travelers to ensure they have the necessary identification to avoid last-minute hurdles at the airport.
As this situation develops, travelers should stay informed and consider securing their REAL IDs to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel in the future.
