What You Need To Know About the Fee for Traveling Without a REAL ID in 2026

To avoid paying more, passengers should update their ID to include a REAL ID as soon as possible.

Jenna Buege Published December 10, 2025

Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification at TSA security checkpoints will be required to pay a $45 fee to use TSA Confirm.ID, a modernized identity verification system. According to the TSA, travelers using TSA Confirm.ID will be able to do so for up to 10 days of travel, and anyone hoping to avoid the extra fee — and simply their air travel experience — should schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID to include REAL ID as soon as possible.

The TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification will vary from airport to airport and take place during TSA check-in prior to entering the security line. With help from private industry, the TSA has worked to proactively offer an online payment option for those who wish to pay the fee in advance. People who arrive at the airport without paying the fee ahead of time will want to look for TSA Confirm.ID marked locations at or near the TSA checkpoint at most airports.

According to the TSA, acceptable forms of ID include:

REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the DMV (or equivalent)
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
Photo IDs issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

“The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are,” said a senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA Adam Stahl. “Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”

According to the TSA, more than 94% of current passengers are already using a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. TSA does expect increased wait times for those who travel without providing an acceptable ID at airport security.

To read the TSA’s full statement surrounding the new $45 fee, click here

About the Author

Jenna Buege is a Milwaukee-based writer and editor who loves exploring the great outdoors, spending time with her two black cats and jetting off on exciting, sometimes strange, adventures. She joined the VAX VacationAccess team in 2018 and takes pride in being a reliable source for travel advisors as they navigate an ever-changing industry. Her favorite destination so far is Iceland, although Alaska and Germany are close seconds, and she’s always adding new places to her ever-growing travel wish list.