Beginning February 1, 2026, U.S. airport security procedures will change in a way that directly affects millions of domestic flyers. Under a new Transportation Security Administration policy, passengers who arrive at a checkpoint without a REAL ID–compliant license or another approved form of identification will be required to pay a $45 identity verification charge before being allowed to proceed through screening. The rule, now widely known as the tsa $45 fee real id requirement, marks the strictest phase yet of federal enforcement tied to the long-running REAL ID program.
The fee is not a fine and not a penalty issued after travel. It is a mandatory charge that applies at the checkpoint when a traveler cannot present an accepted form of ID. Payment activates a special identity confirmation process that determines whether the passenger can continue to security screening and ultimately board a domestic flight.
Why the $45 Fee Is Being Introduced
The REAL ID Act set national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for federal purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. After years of phased deadlines and extensions, full enforcement for domestic air travel began in 2025.
While travelers without compliant identification were still allowed to attempt alternate verification, that process required additional staffing, time, and technology. The new policy shifts the cost of that extra work from general federal security budgets to the individual traveler who arrives unprepared.
From February 2026 onward, anyone 18 or older who does not present a REAL ID or another TSA-approved credential must pay the $45 fee to enter the identity confirmation system. Without payment, the traveler will not be allowed to proceed through the checkpoint.
How the Identity Verification Process Works
When a passenger reaches the document check podium and cannot provide an acceptable ID, TSA officers will offer the option of identity confirmation through a secure verification program.
The process includes:
- Collection of personal identifying information.
- Database checks to validate identity.
- Additional security screening once identity is confirmed.
- A waiting period that may exceed 30 minutes, depending on system load and airport traffic.
The $45 payment activates this process. If verification is successful, the traveler may proceed through standard security screening and continue to their gate. If verification cannot be completed, the passenger will not be cleared for travel.
The confirmation is typically valid for a limited time window, meaning travelers who repeatedly fly without proper ID could be required to pay the fee again on future trips.
Which Travelers Must Pay the Fee
The fee applies to:
- U.S. domestic air passengers age 18 or older.
- Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.
- Passengers who do not carry another TSA-approved credential such as a passport or military ID.
Children under 18 are generally not required to show identification when traveling with an adult who has acceptable ID, and the fee does not apply to them.
Accepted Identification That Avoids the Fee
Passengers can bypass the $45 charge entirely by presenting any of the following at the checkpoint:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state ID cards.
- U.S. passports or passport cards.
- Military identification.
- Permanent resident cards.
- Enhanced driver’s licenses issued by participating states.
- Certain federally recognized digital or mobile IDs where approved.
Any one of these allows travelers to proceed normally without additional screening fees.
Payment Rules at the Airport
The TSA has established strict payment guidelines for the identity verification fee:
- Cash is not accepted.
- Credit and debit cards are permitted.
- Certain digital and electronic payment methods are supported.
- Proof of payment must be shown before the verification process begins.
Travelers who cannot complete payment on site may be denied access to security and could miss their flight.
How This Impacts Airport Operations
Security experts expect the new policy to affect peak travel periods most sharply. Travelers arriving without proper ID may face:
- Longer wait times at checkpoints.
- Secondary screening.
- Possible rebooking if verification cannot be completed before boarding closes.
Airports are preparing for increased staffing at document check stations and expanded signage reminding passengers of the REAL ID requirement and the new fee.
Why Obtaining a REAL ID Is Now More Important Than Ever
With the $45 charge in place, the cost of traveling without compliant identification becomes both financial and logistical. A REAL ID eliminates:
- The verification fee.
- Extended screening delays.
- Uncertainty about being cleared to fly.
For frequent travelers, even one or two instances of paying the fee can exceed the cost and effort of upgrading to a compliant license.
What Travelers Should Do Before Their Next Flight
To avoid complications under the new rule, travelers are advised to:
- Confirm that their driver’s license or state ID displays the REAL ID star or marking.
- Carry a passport or passport card if their state ID is not compliant.
- Arrive early at the airport if using identity verification.
- Ensure they have an accepted electronic payment method available.
Being prepared not only avoids the fee but also helps reduce congestion at security checkpoints.
The Bigger Picture for U.S. Aviation Security
The introduction of the tsa $45 fee real id policy represents a shift toward stricter enforcement and greater accountability. It reinforces the federal government’s long-term goal of standardized, secure identification across all modes of domestic air travel.
For travelers, the message is clear: REAL ID compliance is no longer optional in practice. The alternative now carries a direct cost, additional screening, and the risk of travel disruption.
Have you already upgraded to a REAL ID, or will this new fee change how you prepare for your next flight? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the latest travel updates.
