New $45 REAL ID Fee Now Required at Washington Airports

Travelers without REAL ID face penalty at security checkpoints

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Passengers flying domestically in Washington state who don't have a REAL ID-compliant identification will now be charged a $45 fee at the airport before being allowed to board their flight. This new penalty fee is a permanent requirement, as Congress passed a 2005 law mandating travelers have a secure identification that cannot be forged or altered.

Why it matters

The REAL ID requirement aims to improve aviation security by ensuring all travelers have a standardized, tamper-resistant form of identification. However, the new $45 fee at the gate poses an added financial burden for those who have not yet obtained a REAL ID, which is now required to board domestic flights in the U.S.

The details

The REAL ID penalty fee applies at all Washington airports, from Seattle-Tacoma International to regional hubs like Pasco. Travelers without a REAL ID, which includes a passport, enhanced driver's license, or ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, will have to pay the $45 fee to receive a "ConfirmID" pass valid for 14 days. Children under 18 are exempt from the REAL ID requirement, but officials recommend getting one for them as well.

  • The REAL ID requirement and associated $45 fee went into effect on February 12, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

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What’s next

Travelers in Washington who have not yet obtained a REAL ID-compliant identification should do so as soon as possible to avoid the $45 penalty fee at the airport.

The takeaway

The new REAL ID requirement and associated $45 fee at Washington airports underscores the importance of having a secure, federally-approved form of identification for domestic air travel. While an added cost, obtaining a REAL ID ahead of time can help travelers avoid delays and fees at the security checkpoint.