Currently, more than 94 percent of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification, according to the TSA. But now, those few who do not provide an acceptable ID will not only face increased wait times, but also a $45 fee.

The fee will be implemented Feb. 1, 2026. Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still wish to fly must pay this fee to use a modernized, alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints.

It’s important to note paying the fee doesn’t guarantee verification, and travelers whose identities cannot be verified, according to TSA officials, could be turned away.

Travelers who pay this fee and are verified can then use TSA Confirm.ID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who don’t currently have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

“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,” said Adam Stahl, senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator, TSA. “The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”

TSA encourages all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the fee online before traveling.

On May 7, 2025, TSA began requiring airline passengers to present a state-issued driver’s license or identification card, applying to travel across all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; U.S. Virgin Islands; Guam; American Samoa; and Northern Mariana Islands.

Originally passed by Congress in 2005 and planned for an initial rollout in 2008, REAL ID experienced many years of delays. REAL ID is applicable to any traveler 18 years or older flying domestically.

TSA also accepts digital IDs through platforms like Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet.

Do you have an ID that doesn’t need REAL ID requirements, and do you plan to pay the fee? What are your thoughts on REAL ID? What other requirements do you think TSA should add/remove? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.