A quiet shift is coming to airport security, one that will directly impact your wallet if you’re unprepared. Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will impose a $45 fee on travelers who attempt to fly with identification that doesn’t meet federal standards.
This isn’t a new requirement, but a new consequence. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, aimed to standardize state-issued identification, but its implementation has been repeatedly delayed. Now, after years of extensions, the TSA is enforcing the rules – and adding a financial penalty for those who haven’t complied.
What does “compliant” mean? Simply put, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification. A U.S. passport, passport card, or a DHS Trusted Traveler card will also suffice. Several states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses that meet the requirements, as do certain tribal cards.
The vast majority of Americans – a remarkable 94 percent – are already in the clear, possessing either a REAL ID or an alternative accepted document. But for the remaining travelers, a new process awaits, and it comes with a cost.
Those without proper identification will be required to complete an online verification process *and* pay the $45 fee before being allowed through security. This isn’t a last-minute option; arriving at the airport without prior approval means being directed out of line to complete the process, potentially adding up to 30 minutes to your wait.
The fee isn’t a one-time pass either. It grants access for up to ten days. After that, the process – and the $45 charge – must be repeated. Even travelers who have lost or had their REAL ID or passport stolen will face the same fee to regain access.
This change isn’t about stricter security measures, but about covering the administrative and IT costs associated with verifying identification for those who haven’t yet upgraded. It’s a clear signal: if you haven’t addressed the REAL ID requirement, now is the time to do so.
