Editor’s Note: This story was updated with new details from TSA.
(NEXSTAR) — If you have plans to fly in 2026 but don’t have a REAL ID, be prepared: you may have to fork over $45 before you can pass through the security checkpoint.
Last month, the Transportation Security Administration proposed a program that would charge those trying to fly without a REAL ID or a compliant form of identification less than $20 to pass through security with the help of “a modernized alternative identity verification system.”
On Monday, the TSA confirmed that program will take effect on February 1, 2026, though the fee will be more than double the $18 it initially proposed.
Instead, the TSA said it “will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID.”
The $45 fee will allow the traveler to use TSA Confirm.ID for 10 days.
“This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer,” Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl said in Monday’s press release.
According to TSA, if you arrive at the security checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant form of ID, or an otherwise accepted piece of identification, you “will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process” before entering the security line.
You will be asked to submit “biographic and/or biometric information” to confirm your identity and that you are not on a Secure Flight watch list.
“This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport,” Monday’s press release explained.
The agency encouraged travelers to get a REAL ID or other accepted form of ID — more than 94% of travelers are already in compliance, according to TSA — or pay for TSA Confirm.ID online before arriving at the airport. The $45 fee can also be paid at the airport.
Those undergoing the optional program “should expect delays,” the agency warned.
REAL IDs and acceptable forms of ID
You likely already have a REAL ID or otherwise compliant form of identification.
If there is a star on your driver’s license or state ID card, you have a REAL ID-compliant card. The star may be black or gold, completely filled in or just the outline. Either way, you’re compliant.
Some states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont — issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and enhanced driver’s licenses (Washington only issues the latter). State-enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag rather than a star and include a chip that can make it easier to enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. REAL IDs cannot be used for crossing the borders.
If you don’t have a star on your driver’s license, TSA will accept other documents:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- DHS trusted traveler cards
- Department of Defense ID (including those issued to dependents)
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
- HSPD-12 PIV cards
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Any of the aforementioned forms of ID is acceptable up to two years after expiration.
You can find more details about TSA’s screening process here.
REAL IDs are optional and the need for one will vary based on your situation.
Currently, TSA says it will allow passengers through security checkpoints without a compliant form of identification as long as they complete an identity verification process and potentially additional screening.
Those who do not provide identification or do not comply with an identity verification process, or whose identity cannot be confirmed, are not allowed through security checkpoints, according to TSA.