Published on
January 16, 2026
Travelers who do not have a valid Real ID or an acceptable form of identification, such as an enhanced driver’s license or passport, will be required by the TSA to pay a $45 fee starting in February 2026. This modification is a component of a larger initiative to improve airport security. Travelers may become even more irritated because they will have to wait a long time at security checkpoints and have few options for paying the fee. Travelers will need to prepare ahead of time to avoid additional inconvenience, but this policy aims to ensure smoother operations and enforce stricter ID checks.
Starting February 1, new regulations from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be in effect, requiring travelers without a valid passport or enhanced REAL ID to pay a $45 fee to proceed through airport security. These changes are part of an effort to enhance security protocols and ensure that all passengers pass through checkpoints with verified identification. While these measures are necessary to safeguard the traveling public, they also bring about potential inconvenience and additional costs for travelers who have not updated their ID documents.
This guide aims to clarify the new requirements and help travelers prepare for smoother airport experiences under these new rules.
What is the $45 Fee for?
The $45 fee is designed to cover the use of TSA’s alternative identity verification system, Confirm.ID. Confirm.ID is an advanced system that allows TSA officers to manually verify passengers’ identities when they do not have a valid ID or REAL ID-compliant document. The system was developed to help maintain efficient airport security procedures while providing a solution for travelers without the necessary identification.
Once the fee is paid, travelers will be allowed to pass through security for 10 days. However, if the traveler’s trip exceeds this time frame, they will need to pay the fee again to cover their return journey, provided they still do not have an acceptable form of identification.
The introduction of this fee is expected to affect around 20 million people across the United States who have yet to update their identification to meet the enhanced security standards required for air travel.
Payment Methods: Cash Not Accepted
Under the new regulations, the TSA has specified that cash payments will not be accepted at security checkpoints. This means that travelers will need to use a bank account, credit or debit card, Venmo, or PayPal to pay the $45 fee. Those who are accustomed to carrying cash should make sure to prepare ahead of time, as paying with a form of electronic payment is now mandatory.
This move to digital payments is part of the TSA’s broader initiative to streamline the security process. Although this may initially cause some inconvenience, the focus is on reducing physical cash transactions at airport checkpoints and enhancing overall security and efficiency.
What Identification is Acceptable?
Currently, the majority of U.S. travelers already have a valid form of identification that meets the federal government’s enhanced security standards. According to the TSA, around 94% of the U.S. population is compliant with the new identification requirements. However, approximately 20 million people are still at risk of being affected by the changes.
To help avoid delays and extra fees, travelers are advised to ensure that they possess one of the following acceptable forms of ID:
- REAL ID: A driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): Available in certain states, this enhanced ID complies with the new travel requirements.
- U.S. Passport: One of the most universally accepted forms of identification for international and domestic travel.
- U.S. Passport Card: A wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: These include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards, which expedite border crossings.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: Including IDs issued to military dependents.
- Permanent Resident Card: For lawful permanent residents of the United States.
- Border Crossing Card: For U.S. residents who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Federally Recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe ID: This includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) issued by tribal nations.
- HSPD-12 PIV Card: A federal ID card for government employees.
- Foreign Government-Issued Passport: International passports from other countries.
- Canadian Provincial Driver’s License or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Card: For citizens of Canada.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): For workers in the maritime industry.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766): For individuals authorized to work in the U.S.
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential: A card for U.S. merchant seamen.
- Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC): For veterans accessing healthcare services.
To determine if your ID meets the requirements, look for a star symbol located at the top of your state-issued ID. This indicates that it is REAL ID-compliant and meets the federal standards for air travel.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Acceptable Form of ID?
If you find yourself at the airport without an acceptable form of ID, the new rules will require you to pay the $45 fee and go through the Confirm.ID verification process. This system helps TSA officers manually verify your identity. However, this process could take extra time, and travelers may face longer wait times in the security line.
Passengers without acceptable ID are advised to arrive earlier than usual, as the additional verification steps could increase wait times by up to 30 minutes. It is crucial to factor in this extra time to avoid stress or delays before your flight.
How to Prepare Ahead of Time
To avoid the $45 fee and any additional delays at the security checkpoint, travelers are strongly encouraged to check their ID status well before their travel date. This can be done easily by checking the star symbol on your current ID. If it is not REAL ID-compliant, or if it has expired, make a trip to your local government office or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update it.
Real ID cards are now available in all U.S. states, so it is possible to obtain an updated version of your driver’s license or state-issued ID at your local DMV. If your ID is nearing expiration, this is an excellent opportunity to ensure you are ready for travel and comply with federal guidelines.
Additionally, travelers who are planning international travel should check their passport’s validity. U.S. passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, so ensure it is up-to-date well in advance.
Why Is This Change Necessary?
The changes to the TSA’s identification and verification policies are designed to improve security measures and ensure that only verified individuals pass through airport checkpoints. By limiting the number of accepted payment methods and providing an enhanced system for verifying identity, the TSA is working to stay ahead of potential security threats while improving efficiency in the security process.
While these measures may seem like an inconvenience, they ultimately aim to make air travel safer and more secure for everyone. Travelers who prepare ahead of time and update their identification documents can avoid unnecessary delays and fees.
As the February 1 deadline for these new TSA regulations approaches, it’s essential for travelers to review their identification and ensure they have an enhanced form of ID that meets federal standards. By doing so, they can avoid the $45 fee and potential delays at airport security checkpoints. With the right preparation, air travel can remain a smooth and hassle-free experience.
For those who do need to pay the fee, understanding the payment methods and ensuring digital payment options are available will help speed up the process. Remember, cash will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints, so be sure to bring a credit card, debit card, or another digital payment option.
Starting February 2026, the TSA will charge a $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID or valid identification to cover the cost of manual identity verification through the Confirm.ID system, leading to potential delays and the restriction of payment methods to digital platforms only.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, travelers can navigate the new TSA rules with ease and enjoy a more seamless airport experience.
