Travelers Without Real ID Face New $45 TSA Fee Starting February

2026-01-15 politics

Washington, Friday, 16 January 2026.
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers lacking Real ID must pay a $45 fee to bypass security restrictions. This “ConfirmID” option provides a 10-day clearance, effectively monetizing non-compliance to ensure travel continuity.

The Mechanics of ConfirmID

The TSA’s new initiative, formally titled “ConfirmID,” introduces a structured alternative for the approximately 6% of passengers who still lack compliant identification [6]. Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers arriving at security checkpoints without a Real ID, passport, or other acceptable credentials can opt into this verification process by paying a mandatory $45 fee [1][4]. Access to the tool is facilitated via QR codes on signage at airports or directly through the TSA website, with payments accepted exclusively through digital means [4]. Once processed, the verification remains valid for a 10-day window, a duration designed to accommodate both the departure and return legs of a standard domestic trip [3].

The Economics of Compliance

The introduction of this fee represents a strategic shift in how the agency manages the operational costs associated with non-compliant travel. Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for the TSA, stated that the fee is intended to ensure that “non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs” [6]. This policy aims to neutralize the resource drain caused by manual identity verification while maintaining the strict security standards established by the Real ID Act, which began full enforcement in May 2025 [1][3].

Navigating the Transition

For those seeking to avoid the recurring cost and potential delays of ConfirmID, standard compliant documents remain the most efficient option. Acceptable alternatives to a Real ID include U.S. passports, passport cards, and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses [1]. Furthermore, the TSA has clarified that minors under the age of 18 traveling with a parent or guardian generally do not require identification for domestic flights, alleviating the administrative burden for families [5].

Sources

Regulatory Compliance Air Travel