TSA to Charge $45 for Non-REAL ID Verification in 2026

The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that starting February 1, 2026, air travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport or other acceptable form of identification will face a $45 fee to use a new alternative identity verification system at U.S. airport security checkpoints.

The system, known as TSA Confirm.ID, aims to modernize the process for verifying identities through a combination of biographical questions and biometric data, such as facial recognition scans. Travelers can complete the verification and payment online via the TSA website before arriving at the airport, receiving an email confirmation to present to officers. Those who arrive without proper ID will be directed to a separate area to scan a QR code, pay the fee and undergo the process before rejoining the security line. The agency estimates the procedure will take 10 to 15 minutes on average, though it could extend to 30 minutes or longer depending on the airport and individual circumstances. A single payment will be valid for a 10-day period, covering typical round-trip travel.

The fee, which is nonrefundable, replaces the current manual verification method that relies...