TSA to Charge Flyers Without Proper ID

New $45 fee aims to encourage travelers to have REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:07am

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Starting February 1, 2026, travelers who show up at the airport without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification will have to pay a $45 fee to the TSA in order to board their flight. This new policy is intended to encourage flyers to obtain the proper identification documents before traveling.

Why it matters

The TSA's new policy is part of a broader effort to improve airport security and ensure travelers are properly identified. The requirement for REAL IDs or other approved forms of ID has been in place since May 2025, but the new $45 fee is meant to provide an additional incentive for flyers to comply with the rules.

The details

Under the new rules, travelers without a REAL ID, passport, enhanced driver's license, or other acceptable form of ID will need to pay the $45 fee through the TSA Confirm ID program in order to be allowed to board their flight. They will still have to go through additional ID verification and screening, which could lead to travel delays. TSA officials say the fee will help cover the costs of processing non-compliant travelers, rather than having taxpayers shoulder the burden.

  • The new $45 fee for travelers without proper ID goes into effect on February 1, 2026.
  • The TSA began requiring REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of ID in May 2025.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for security in the nation's transportation systems, including airports.

Mike Gorham

A traveler from Quebec, Canada who always flies with a passport, Nexus card, and driver's license.

Robert Mesick

A traveler from Chazy, New York who has been using a passport to fly for the past 20 years.

Jerry Philogene

A traveler from Middlebury who was unaware of the upcoming changes to ID requirements for air travel.

Laurie Gutchell

A traveler from St. Albans who believes the new ID requirements are important for safety.

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What they’re saying

“I do, yes. Passport, Nexus card, driver's license.”

— Mike Gorham

“Always have my passport when I fly, or we used to just have our driver's licenses. But we've had our passports for 20 years now, and that's all we've been using.”

— Robert Mesick

“I'd be very upset by that. It's a cost that some people can't afford. They can barely afford to travel.”

— Jerry Philogene

“I think it's important to know who's flying and it's safety for me.”

— Laurie Gutchell

What’s next

The TSA says travelers who forget to bring proper ID can pay the $45 fee at the airport, but should expect an additional 30 minutes added to their travel time.

The takeaway

The new TSA policy requiring a $45 fee for travelers without proper ID is intended to encourage flyers to obtain REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification before arriving at the airport. While some see the fee as an unnecessary burden, others view it as an important security measure to ensure the safety of air travel.