Travelers without a REAL ID will now face a new fee when passing through TSA security checkpoints.

Starting on Sunday, Feb. 1, those who do not present a REAL ID or another form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, will need to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID instead. 

“This fee ensures that non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs,” senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA Adam Stahl said in a Jan. 15 press release detailing the changes. 

The new program will require travelers to undergo “additional ID verification,” including answering questions about themselves to verify their identity. 

Before Feb. 1, the TSA encourages all travelers to check to make sure they have a Real ID. These federally compliant state driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards meet the minimum federal security standards established by the 2005 Real ID Act. IDs that meet these requirements are typically marked with a black or gold star in the upper right corner. 

If a traveler does not have a Real ID, or another acceptable document, they are encouraged to visit tsa.gov/ConfirmID to pay the $45 fee ahead of their trip. Travelers will then be instructed to present their receipt, either printed or a screenshot, to a TSA officer and follow their subsequent instructions. 

Without paying the fee ahead of time, airline customers may be “subject to additional delays which may result in a missed flight,” the TSA says, noting the process may take up to 30 minutes. 

A Dec. 1, 2025, press release from the agency estimates that more than 94% of passengers already use a Real ID or other acceptable forms of identification at security. However, they say fully screening each passenger is essential for safety.

“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies,” Stahl said. ““The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are.”

He added: “The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a Real ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”

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The New York Times reports the $45 fee is a notable increase from the $18 payment previously considered. The fee itself is meant to “address government-incurred costs,” per a filing in the Federal Register. The filing also mentioned some individuals may have to pay the fee more than once. 

There are a number of alternative forms of identification acceptable to the TSA, including a U.S. passport, DHS trusted travelers cards and permanent residents cards, among others.