TSA Starts $45 ConfirmID Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID
TSA begins charging $45 on Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers without REAL ID to use ConfirmID identity verification.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/real-id-tsa-013026-aa1c82043ce84c17adf5fdd70c3492f2.jpg)
People$45 Fee for Travelers With No Real ID Goes Into Effect Today — Here’s What To Know
Fox BusinessTravelers without a REAL ID are about to be hit with a TSA fee
Associated PressNo REAL ID yet? You can still fly, but it may cost $45 without another form of accepted ID
CBS NewsA new $45 fee for travelers without Real ID starts Feb. 1. Here's what to know.
Overview
The Transportation Security Administration began charging a nonrefundable $45 fee on Feb. 1, 2026, for passengers without REAL ID or other accepted identification to use TSA ConfirmID, the agency said.
The fee follows the May 7, 2025, REAL ID deadline and aims to shift verification costs from taxpayers to noncompliant travelers, Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA, said Jan. 15.
TSA Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Steve Lorincz said the ConfirmID payment receipt is valid for 10 days, allowing travelers to use verification for return trips within that period.
A Dec. 1, 2025, Department of Homeland Security release said more than 94% of passengers already use a Real ID or other acceptable identification, leaving a minority potentially subject to ConfirmID.
TSA urged travelers to pay at tsa.gov/ConfirmID before travel to obtain a receipt and warned passengers who arrive without acceptable ID and without payment may face additional screening that could result in missed flights.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as straightforward consumer information without editorial framing: reporting relies on official TSA statements and an industry expert, uses neutral language, and includes practical details (who pays, timing, alternatives, compliance rate). Editorial choices prioritize procedure and source content rather than persuasive characterization or omitted viewpoints.