TSA has just implemented a new $45 fee for travelers boarding domestic flights without a valid Real ID or passport. With millions of Americans still without a Real ID and confusion around deadlines, enforcement, and alternatives, this new rule is expected to create a surge in questions among travelers. The new modernized alternative identity verification system, coined TSA Confirm.ID, will be available starting February 1, 2026, at TSA security checkpoints. To learn more about what this new rule means for travelers, we chatted with top travel experts from Points Path, RVshare, and Expedia. Here’s what they shared.
What the new fee covers and why
“The new $45 fee being implemented by TSA is an alternative for travelers without an acceptable form of ID. It’s meant to serve as a solution for travelers who haven’t yet updated their IDs, giving them access to TSA Confirm.ID, their alternative verification system,” says Fiorella Yriberry, RVshare travel expert.
Paying the $45 fee allows TSA Agents to verify travelers’ identities at the airport and will enable them to fly if they show up without a passport or a valid Real ID. Ultimately, “TSA has introduced this fee to serve as a last-minute resource for travelers without a Real ID,” Yriberry shares. According to recent TSA data, about 19% of Americans still lack the required documentation to travel.
Travel experts generally agree that this $45 fee was put in place by TSA as a last resort for travelers and is not intended to be used repeatedly. “If you’re planning to travel in 2026, NOW is the time to apply for a REAL ID, says Melanie Fish, Expedia travel expert. “You can apply for a REAL ID online or by visiting your local DMV. Please note that it can take a few weeks to receive a physical copy. If you plan to travel this holiday season and still do not have a REAL ID, you can also use your passport; otherwise, you should plan to arrive at the airport earlier. Be prepared for longer wait times and further verification.
What documents should travelers bring to the airport?
“If you’re 18 or older and flying within the U.S., you’ll need to show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of ID at the checkpoint. The Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID site has excellent examples of what to look for to confirm you meet Real ID requirements,” says Fish.
If you don’t have a real ID but do have a valid passport, the $45 fee won’t apply to you. “Beyond driver’s licenses with Real ID, passports, and permanent resident cards are considered acceptable forms of ID. Check the TSA site for the full list,” says Points Path Managing Editor, Sarah Silbert. Silbert also researches online before flying to learn more about special exemptions for minors and travelers with military IDs or federal IDs.
How this change will affect airport lines in 2026
This new TSA rule may “certainly add a level of complexity and delays to airport lines, says Yriberry. “Like any new system being implemented at this scale and with this reach of impact, there are sure to be difficulties, especially during the first weeks. Most likely, these changes will cause additional delays for travelers at security checkpoints. Airport security lines at peak travel periods are expected to be more congested,” she shares.
“The congestion and delays are sure to impact travelers with updated travel documents. Since this all occurs on the same security lines, travelers with proper documentation are still very likely to experience delays,” says Yriberry. As always, it’s important to leave ample time when traveling since you just never know what a TSA line might bring.
