The landscape of airport security is undergoing another significant shift. Travelers preparing for domestic flights in the United States will need to take note of a new fee structure being implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Effective February 1, 2026, the TSA is introducing a $45 charge for individuals who arrive at security checkpoints without a federally compliant identification, such as a REAL ID, or another acceptable form of documentation.
This development follows earlier modifications to airport security protocols, including recent changes regarding what passengers can pack in checked luggage and adjustments to screening procedures. The new fee is designed to cover the resources required for the TSA to manually verify the identity of travelers who cannot present the standard required documentation.
Understanding the New $45 TSA Identity Verification Fee
Initially, the TSA had announced an $18 fee for non-compliant travelers in November 2025. However, this figure has since been increased to $45, according to official TSA announcements and information disseminated through local news outlets. This fee is specifically applicable to domestic air travel for those whose identification does not meet the REAL ID Act standards.
Why the Fee?
The introduction of this fee is directly tied to the ongoing enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. For travelers presenting identification that does not meet these standards, TSA agents must spend additional time and resources to conduct a manual identity verification process. The $45 charge is intended to offset the operational costs associated with this secondary, in-depth screening procedure.
It is crucial to understand that paying this fee does not guarantee boarding. The TSA explicitly states that the payment covers the verification effort, but the final decision to allow a traveler through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer based on the success of that verification attempt.
How to Pre-Pay the $45 Fee Using TSA ConfirmID
To streamline the process and potentially save time at the airport, the TSA has established an online portal called TSA ConfirmID. Travelers who anticipate not having their REAL ID or an equivalent acceptable ID can utilize this system prior to their travel date.
The ConfirmID Process
Passengers can navigate to the TSA ConfirmID portal to pay the $45 fee online. Upon successful payment and completion of the necessary steps, travelers will receive a receipt or confirmation. When presenting this confirmation, along with their non-compliant identification documents, at the security checkpoint, they can proceed with the identity verification process.
A key benefit of using ConfirmID is the short validity window: payment grants the traveler a 10-day window (starting from the date of payment) during which they can travel domestically using this method. If a traveler needs to fly again within that 10-day period, they can present their receipt again.
However, travelers must remain aware: even after paying the fee and presenting the receipt, the identity verification is not inherently guaranteed. If the TSA officer cannot successfully verify the traveler’s identity through their established procedures, boarding can still be denied.
Avoiding the Fee: Acceptable Forms of Identification
The most straightforward way to circumvent the new $45 charge is to ensure you carry one of the TSA’s officially accepted forms of identification. For travelers who have not yet obtained their REAL ID, several alternatives are valid for domestic air travel:
- U.S. Passports (book or card)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced IDs (EID)
- Foreign Passports
- U.S. Permanent Resident Cards
- Border Crossing Cards
Travelers should note that certain forms of temporary identification, such as a temporary driver's license issued while waiting for a permanent card, are explicitly not accepted for domestic air travel screening.
REAL ID Timeline and State Processing
For many Americans, the introduction of this fee serves as a final impetus to secure their REAL ID. While the federal enforcement deadline for requiring REAL ID at checkpoints has been pushed back several times, states are continuing to issue the new compliant cards. For example, in states like Ohio, the process typically involves visiting a Deputy Registrar location, with the new card arriving by mail within approximately 10 business days, though extended delays may require follow-up with the state’s Motor Vehicle Bureau.
As February 1, 2026, approaches, travelers are strongly advised to check their current identification card for the star symbol—the indicator of REAL ID compliance—or prepare an acceptable alternative. Failing to do so may result in an unexpected $45 charge and potential delays at the security checkpoint.
