Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or passport must pay a $45 fee to use TSA’s “ConfirmID” program at airport security checkpoints. This fee covers identity verification, which is required for passengers lacking compliant identification to pass through.

Key Details About the TSA $45 Fee:

• Alternative Identification: If you do not have a REAL ID, you can still use a valid U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or another accepted form of ID.
• TSA ConfirmID System: If you arrive without proper ID, you can use the ConfirmID system to verify your identity, a process that may add significant time to your security check.
• Payment Options: The fee can be paid online in advance or at the airport.
• Validity: The $45 fee covers a 10-day period.
• Impact: This measure is in response to the full implementation of REAL ID requirements to increase security and ensure passengers are verified.

To avoid this fee and potential delays, ensure your ID is compliant with REAL ID regulations before traveling.

The Department of Homeland Security has addressed some of these questions and created an FAQ revolving around the issue.