Starting in February 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a fee of $45 to air travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. The fee is intended to cover the cost of alternative identity verification.

Earlier this year, we wrote that the REAL ID Act went into effect. As of March 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification has been enforced as a requirement for domestic air travel. However, since that time, TSA has offered travelers without a REAL ID the opportunity to get through security after undergoing additional screening.

With this announcement from TSA, travelers without a REAL ID will need to show another valid form of identification in order to travel, such as an unexpired passport, permanent resident cards, military ID cards, or photo IDs issued by federally-recognized tribal nations. Without an additional form of identification, travelers will not be able to pass through airport security without paying the $45 fee and completing the alternate identify verification process.

REAL ID is a set of enhanced security requirements for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that were initially mandated in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. After several significant delays, the requirements are now in effect and being enforced.

The $45 fee covers the cost of undergoing alternative identity verification process through the TSA's "Confirm.ID" system. Payment of the fee does not guarantee that the travelers will successful pass the screening process, however. If TSA is unable to verify the traveler's identity, they will not be permitted to pass through security. A successful verification through this new system is valid for 10 days. Travelers can pay the fee prior to arriving at the airport or can pay the fee in-person once arriving at the security screening area. The alternative verification process can take up to 30 minutes.

It is important for you to consider identification requirements before traveling domestically, especially if you are not a naturalized U.S. citizen. If you have any questions about the REAL ID process or require assistance to prepare for domestic or international travel, please don't hesitate to contact the immigration legal professionals at the Law Offices of Spojmie Nasiri, PC.