By Trendsetter Tribune 
The TSA will begin charging a $45 fee at airport checkpoints starting Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers who do not present a REAL ID or approved alternative.
As REAL ID enforcement tightens across U.S. airports, travelers who fail to carry compliant identification could soon face added costs and delays at TSA checkpoints, marking a significant shift in airport security procedures.
What’s Changing
Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will charge a $45 verification fee to passengers who arrive at airport checkpoints without a REAL ID or an approved alternative, according to state and media reports.
The new fee follows the full implementation of REAL ID requirements in May 2025, which made compliant identification mandatory for domestic air travel.
How the New Process Works
Passengers who do not present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, or another approved document will be required to:
- Pay a $45 fee through the federal Pay.gov website
- Present proof of payment—either digitally or in print—at the TSA checkpoint
Those who cannot immediately show proof of payment may be asked to step aside, potentially delaying their screening.
Officials say the fee is intended to cover the additional identity verification process required for noncompliant travelers.
What Officials Are Saying
During a press conference at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, North Carolina officials emphasized that the new system is designed to streamline screening while encouraging travelers to comply.
Paul Tine, a state transportation official, described the process as straightforward and urged travelers to act early.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles warned travelers not to wait until peak travel season to obtain a REAL ID, noting that summer months are typically the busiest at DMV offices.
Transportation officials also advised travelers to pay the verification fee in advance if they know they lack compliant identification, to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
Travelers must obtain a Real ID, marked with a star in the upper right corner, by May 7, 2025, for air travel.
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) November 20, 2024
The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, aims to enhance security and prevent ID fraud, following 9/11 Commission recommendations. pic.twitter.com/TNn1utpO6d
Who Is Affected — and Who Is Not
The new fee applies to adult travelers who arrive at TSA checkpoints without compliant identification.
However, the rules do not apply to minors traveling with parents or guardians. Minors traveling alone may still be required to present valid identification, depending on airline and TSA policies.
REAL ID Alternatives
Travelers can avoid the fee by presenting one of the following accepted forms of identification:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- Military ID
- Enhanced driver’s license
- Other TSA-approved federal IDs
DO NOT GET A REAL ID: You can still fly (without being fined) with a passport, passport card or any of the approved TSA identification methods. Learn more at https://t.co/GAtYRH7l1K pic.twitter.com/EwM8QORR3E
— CCHFreedom (@CCHFreedom) January 9, 2026
Cost Concerns for Frequent Flyers
While a one-time $45 fee may not deter occasional travelers, aviation experts note that frequent flyers who repeatedly forget compliant ID could see the cost quickly add up.
Officials strongly recommend obtaining a REAL ID or carrying an approved alternative to avoid repeated fees and potential travel disruptions.
What’s Next
With the February 2026 deadline approaching, transportation agencies are increasing outreach efforts to encourage REAL ID adoption. TSA officials have warned that travel without compliant identification will only become more restrictive over time.