TSA’s New $45 Fee Starting in February

Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a $45 fee for travelers who do not present a REAL ID, passport, or other federally accepted identification at airport checkpoints.

What This Means for Travelers

• Confirm.ID System: Passengers without compliant IDs will be referred to TSA’s new Confirm.ID identity verification process.
• Fee Coverage: The $45 payment covers a 10-day travel period, meaning multiple flights within that window are included.
• Why It Matters: The fee is intended to offset the costs of biometric and administrative verification while encouraging travelers to upgrade to REAL ID-compliant documents.

Quick Facts

• REAL ID Requirement: Enforced nationwide since May 2025, REAL ID licenses and IDs are marked with a star in the upper right corner.
• Current Compliance: TSA reports that 94% of U.S. airline passengers already have REAL ID. The fee primarily impacts the remaining 6%.
• Alternatives: A valid passport or other federally approved identification remains acceptable without incurring the fee.

Pride And Passport Perspective

For LGBTQIA+ travelers, this change underscores the importance of preparedness and documentation when navigating airports. Identity verification can be stressful, especially for those whose documents may not fully reflect their lived identities. While the Confirm.ID system provides a fallback option, it comes at a cost and may add extra steps to your journey.

At Pride And Passport, we encourage our community to:

Bottom Line: Starting February 1, 2026, flying without a REAL ID or passport will cost $45 through TSA’s Confirm.ID system. Pride and Passport recommends securing compliant identification now to keep your journeys smooth, affirming, and fee-free.