URGENT UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will face a $45 fee to pass through airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just announced this significant change, which will impact millions of flyers nationwide.
Travelers unable to present valid identification can utilize an alternative identity verification system, known as Confirm ID, for a fee. Those who do not pay the fee or cannot be verified may be denied access to the security checkpoint, potentially missing their flights. This applies to passengers who have lost their ID or had it stolen.
“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail,” stated Adam Stahl, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA. With approximately 94 percent of travelers currently using a REAL ID or an approved form of identification like a passport, the TSA emphasizes the importance of compliance.
The $45 fee is designed to cover the operational, technological, and administrative costs associated with the Confirm ID system. Initially, the TSA proposed an $18 fee, but after a detailed analysis, officials determined that higher-than-expected expenses necessitated the increase. “The fee was necessary because we needed to modernize the system,” explained Steve Lorincz, the TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations. “We needed to make sure that the system is safe.”
Travelers can pay the fee online via pay.gov before arriving at the airport or upon arrival. Once the fee is settled and the passenger’s identity is verified, the clearance will be valid for 10 days. After this period, another fee will be required for additional travel without a valid ID.
Verification is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes, although the TSA warns it could extend to 30 minutes or more depending on individual circumstances. Officials strongly encourage travelers to obtain a REAL ID to avoid the fee and potential delays.
This announcement marks a critical update to the REAL ID Act, which has been evolving since 2005. The TSA is committed to ensuring that all passengers can be verified efficiently and securely, underscoring the significance of safety in air travel.
As this new measure approaches, travelers are advised to prepare accordingly to avoid unnecessary fees and delays. Stay tuned for further updates as the TSA continues to implement this critical change in airport security protocols. Share this urgent news with fellow travelers to help them be aware of the upcoming changes!
