URGENT UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification will be required to pay a $45 fee to pass through airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just announced this significant change, which is set to impact millions of flyers.
Passengers unable to present valid identification can utilize an alternative identity verification system named Confirm ID, but failure to pay the fee or complete the verification could result in denied access to security and missed flights. This policy affects anyone who has lost or had their ID stolen, making it crucial for all travelers to be informed before their next journey.
TSA officials emphasize that identity verification is vital for ensuring safety in the skies. “Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies,” stated Adam Stahl, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA. Currently, approximately 94 percent of travelers present acceptable IDs, such as REAL IDs or passports, but the new fee aims to secure the remaining travelers who do not comply.
The $45 fee is designed to cover operational, technological, and administrative costs associated with the Confirm ID system. TSA officials confirmed that the initial proposal of an $18 fee was revised due to higher-than-expected expenses. “The fee was necessary because we needed to modernize the system,” said Steve Lorincz, the TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations. “We needed to make sure that the system is safe.”
Travelers can conveniently pay the fee through the official U.S. Federal Government payment portal, pay.gov, either before arriving at the airport or upon arrival. Once the payment is processed and identity is verified, the clearance will be valid for 10 days. After this period, additional fees will apply for future travel without valid ID.
The verification process is estimated to take between 10 to 15 minutes, but TSA warns that wait times may extend to 30 minutes or more depending on individual circumstances. As such, officials strongly encourage all travelers to obtain a REAL ID to avoid hassle and potential delays at the airport.
This new measure marks a significant update to the REAL ID Act, which has been in development since 2005. Officials are urging immediate compliance to ensure smooth travel experiences starting in 2026.
Travelers are advised to act swiftly to secure their identification and avoid the impending fees. Share this news with fellow travelers to ensure they are prepared for this upcoming change.
