### New TSA Policy: $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 2026 In a significant update for air travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that beginning February 1, 2026, passengers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required to pay a **non-refundable fee of $45**. This fee is part of a new identity verification process called TSA Confirm.ID, which aims to enhance security at airport checkpoints. The TSA's decision comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure compliance with the REAL ID Act, which mandates that all air travelers aged 18 and over must present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, to board domestic flights [https://wabcradio.com/2025/12/05/flying-without-a-real-id-will-soon-cost-45-what-changes-for-new-yorkers-and-u-s-travelers]. ### Breakdown of the New TSA Fee Structure 1. **Implementation Date**: The fee will take effect on February 1, 2026. 2. **Fee Amount**: Travelers without a REAL ID will incur a **$45 fee** for identity verification. 3. **Verification Process**: The TSA Confirm.ID system will be used to verify identities, which may lead to delays at security checkpoints. 4. **Payment Options**: The fee can be paid in advance online or in-person at the airport, but it is important to note that payment does not guarantee successful identity verification [https://airportindustry-news.com/tsa-to-introduce-45-fee-for-travellers-without-real-id]. 5. **Previous Fee Proposal**: The initial proposal suggested an $18 fee, which has now more than doubled to $45 [https://fox32chicago.com/news/travelers-without-real-id-will-soon-pay-45-fee-tsa-checkpoints-deadline-nears]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Compliance Rate**: According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately **94% of air travelers** are already compliant with the REAL ID requirements, indicating that the majority of passengers will not be affected by this new fee [https://npr.org/2025/12/02/g-s1-100045/travelers-without-real-id-charged-fee]. - **Fee Comparison**: The new fee represents a **150% increase** from the previously proposed amount of $18, highlighting a significant shift in TSA policy [https://komonews.com/news/local/tsa-to-impose-45-fee-for-travelers-without-real-id-150-increase-from-proposal]. - **Potential Delays**: Travelers opting for the Confirm.ID process may experience delays of up to **30 minutes** at security checkpoints, emphasizing the importance of arriving prepared [https://fox10phoenix.com/news/tsa-end-real-id-grace-period-45-fee-starts-february]. ### Conclusion: Key Takeaways on the New TSA REAL ID Fee 1. **New Fee Implementation**: Starting February 1, 2026, a **$45 fee** will be charged to travelers without a REAL ID. 2. **Verification Process**: The TSA Confirm.ID system will be used for identity verification, which may cause delays. 3. **Majority Compliance**: With **94% compliance** among travelers, the fee will primarily impact a minority of passengers. 4. **Increased Costs**: The fee has increased significantly from the initial proposal, reflecting a stricter enforcement of ID requirements. In summary, the TSA's new policy aims to enhance security while also imposing a financial penalty on those who do not comply with the REAL ID requirements. Travelers are encouraged to ensure they have the necessary identification to avoid additional costs and delays [https://gulfnews.com/world/americas/us-air-travellers-without-real-ids-will-be-charged-a-45-fee-1.500366313].