Heads Up: Do You Have Your REAL ID?

Starting February 1, 2026, the TSA will charge a mandatory, non-refundable $45 fee to travelers who arrive without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of federal identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

This fee covers the use of the alternative verification system, “TSA Confirm.ID.” This program is necessary because verifying non-compliant documents is a resource-intensive and time-consuming process that requires extra personnel and technology, costs the agency aims to recover from non-compliant passengers, not taxpayers. Furthermore, this process is not only costly but will significantly lengthen your time at the security checkpoint. Passengers must pay the fee and successfully complete the identity verification; otherwise, they will be denied access to the security checkpoint and, consequently, their flight. Avoid unnecessary expense and major travel disruption by ensuring your ID is updated soon!

TSA’s Press Release