U.S. airport security officials said on Monday that air travelers without federally compliant identification will face a $45 charge starting February 1, 2026, as the government shifts from warnings to fee-based identity verification.
The fee applies to passengers whose IDs do not meet the enhanced federal standards known as “REAL ID.” The notice, posted in the Federal Register, had previously referenced a possible $18 charge, but officials later said the cost was revised upward because “expenses for the option were higher than forecast.”
The Transportation Security Administration said passengers without REAL ID-compliant documents will be urged to pay the fee before arriving at the airport to reduce delays. If unpaid, the fee collection at checkpoints could take up to 30 minutes, officials said, and in extraordinary circumstances, “they could waive the fees.” The charge is nonrefundable and covers a 10-day travel period.
Children under 18 are not required to present IDs at airport checkpoints. Most compliant travelers present state-issued driver’s licenses, but other acceptable federal-standard documents include passports from any government, Department of Defense ID, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card, permanent resident cards and other government-issued credentials that meet minimum federal security requirements.
Currently, about 94% of airport travelers display valid IDs.
Congress first approved stricter federal ID issuance standards in 2005, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” but enforcement was delayed repeatedly. The same ID rules also apply to federal building entry.
As part of the upcoming rollout, the TSA said travelers without acceptable IDs may verify their identity through its modernized paid system, TSA Confirm.ID, which the agency says is designed to block unauthorized individuals, including “terrorists, illegal aliens, and other bad actors,” from accessing domestic aviation systems.
