URGENT UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable form of identification will face a $45 fee at airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that passengers unable to present valid ID can use an alternative verification system called Confirm ID for a fee, which is designed to enhance security while ensuring compliance.
This new fee comes as part of an update to the REAL ID Act, which requires all travelers aged 18 and older to show a REAL ID or federally recognized ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights. With about 94 percent of travelers currently using compliant IDs, officials stress that the fee aims to cover the operational costs of the Confirm ID system, ensuring taxpayers aren’t burdened by non-compliant travelers.
In a statement, Adam Stahl, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA, emphasized the importance of identity verification. “Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies,” he stated. The agency’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, Steve Lorincz, noted that the fee was necessary to modernize the system and ensure safety.
Travelers can pay this fee through the official U.S. Federal Government payment portal, pay.gov, either before arriving at the airport or at the checkpoint. Once paid, the verification will be valid for 10 days. Passengers should note that if they do not pay the fee or cannot be verified, they may be denied access to security and could miss their flights—this includes those who have lost their ID or had it stolen.
The verification process is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes, but TSA warns it could extend to 30 minutes or longer depending on individual circumstances and wait times. Officials strongly encourage travelers to obtain a REAL ID to avoid fees and potential delays, as the new process is likely to create congestion at airports.
As this policy takes effect, it is crucial for travelers to prepare ahead of time to ensure smooth passage through security. With the deadline fast approaching, those without a REAL ID should act now to avoid complications on travel days.
Expect further updates as the TSA rolls out this new system, and stay informed on how these changes could affect your travel plans.
