Air Travelers Without REAL ID Will Soon Face $45 Fee At Airports

[Historic NY]

Beginning Feb. 1, travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification can pay a $45 fee to use TSA’s alternative identity verification system called TSA ConfirmID.

The TSA ConfirmID process must be completed for domestic air passengers before they enter security, with the $45 fee for each verification only available to be paid digitally.

TSA encourages air travelers to check if they are REAL ID-compliant before they travel, and if they are not, they should visit tsa.gov/ConfirmID to pay the fee before showing their receipt to a TSA officer.

The option to complete the process can also be found at airports through QR codes, though TSA said the procedure will differ between airports.



https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/17/air-travelers-without-real-id-will-soon-face-45-fee-at-airports/]

[Emile]

1. I thought it was mandatory a few years ago.

[Mosby]

2. Apparently not.

And honestly, why do I need a different DL to fly? Whole thing was stupid, congress should repeal the id act.

[Emile]

4. The only benefit I get, it provides proof

that I'm a veteran. Very helpful getting discounts at restaurants, and other businesses.

[Wicked Blue]

3. So you can't even flee the US without paying

Sweet.