The Transportation Security Administration unveiled its fee for travelers flying without a Real ID after Feb. 1, 2026.
After the February deadline, travelers can opt into TSA Confirm.ID as an alternative to identify themselves. The process for TSA Confirm.ID will differ from airport to airport and is expected to cause delays for these travelers, as it could take as long as 30 minutes.
Travelers will only have to pay the fee once per 10-day travel period. TSA encourages these travelers to pay the fee before arriving at the airport.
“This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer,” Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl said in a news release.
“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,” Stahl added.
TSA reported that 94% of travelers already use a Real ID, which includes passports, certain driver’s licenses, Veteran Health Identification cards, enhanced tribal cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs, among other forms of identification.
NOEM ANNOUNCES $1 BILLION TSA INVESTMENT, HANDS OUT MORE SHUTDOWN CHECKS
Even before TSA implemented Real ID requirements in May, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported 81% were already using qualifying documents while traveling.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all five U.S. territories are compliant with Real ID standards and can issue IDs that meet this standard.
