Overview: What’s Changing at Airport Security

Beginning February 1, 2026 the U.S. Transportation Security Administration will start charging domestic air travelers a $45 identity verification fee who fail to provide acceptable identification at airport security checkpoints. The new rule affects adult travelers who are 18 years and older and plan to fly within the United States without carrying either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved identification.

Why the Fee Is Being Introduced

TSA requires this fee because it needs funds to enforce REAL ID identification requirements which protect proper passenger identification during flight boarding. The TSA states that the fee will fund all costs associated with identity verification which include technology and administrative and operational expenses instead of charging taxpayers for those expenses.

The new process operates through TSA ConfirmID which provides modern identity verification procedures for travelers at airports who lack proper identification.

Who Must Pay the $45 Fee?

Travelers will owe the fee if they arrive for their flight without one of the following:

 

• Driving a car helps teenagers in that a new world of development exercises opens up where they can express themselves and socialize.

 

• A U.S. passport or passport card

 

• A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card (such as Global Entry)

 

• A military ID permanent resident card or other TSA-approved forms of identification

 

• Certain digital IDs accepted at more than 250 U.S. airports

 

The traveler must pay a 45-dollar fee and use ConfirmID to verify their identity because they presented no acceptable identification.

How the ConfirmID Fee Works

Passengers can pay the $45 fee online before arriving at the airport using a credit card, debit card, Venmo, or PayPal. After travelers complete payment, they receive their receipt through email. They must show this receipt along with any photo ID (even if not REAL ID-compliant) at the security checkpoint to begin the ConfirmID process.

• The fee is valid for 10 days from the start of travel and covers any flights within that window.

 

• Payment does not guarantee that TSA will successfully confirm identity or allow a traveler through security.

Timing and Time Impacts

The TSA warns that ConfirmID processing at checkpoints requires 30 minutes of time to complete for travelers who do not have a REAL ID or passport. The process requires completion before airport arrival because this essential step helps passengers avoid delays and prevent missed flights.

Alternatives to Avoid the Fee

Travelers can avoid the $45 fee entirely by presenting one of the acceptable forms of identification listed above. The simplest method to bypass additional charges and lengthy security checks requires individuals to obtain a REAL ID through their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or to use their valid passport.

Final Notes for Travelers

The implementation of the REAL ID Act enforcement fee establishes its first major enforcement step through this fee requirement. By early 2026 more than 94 percent of U.S. travelers will have compliant IDs but travelers without compliant IDs must prepare their travel plans starting February 1.