The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that air travelers not carrying a REAL ID will be charged $45 starting Feb. 1, 2026.
This past May, TSA began enforcing REAL ID and officials have noted that the cost of verifying a traveler’s noncompliant ID is currently being passed on to U.S. taxpayers. This new fee would put the cost of those not traveling with REAL IDs squarely on them. The $45 fee will cover a 10-day travel period.
Most travelers, 94 percent, do arrive at the airport with a valid ID, but TSA wants all travelers to comply with the REAL ID rule and the agency hopes this new fee will have them do just that.
For those travelers who fail to pay the fee before arriving at the airport—travelers can complete verification pre-travel day, pay the fee online and receive a receipt that they will show at the TSA checkpoint—it can take up to 30 minutes for verification. Children under 18 do not have to present an ID at an airport checkpoint. Additionally, passports are also considered compliant IDs.
Officials said a verification portal for travelers will be available by mid-December, if not sooner. Payments will be made through Pay.Gov, with direct links from both the TSA and DHS websites, as well as airport signage. Once travelers obtain a receipt, they’ll be screened at checkpoints like any other passenger.
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