Should TSA charge a $45 fee for travelers who forget or don’t have a REAL ID at the airport?
TSA to Charge $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1
Starting February 1, 2026, the TSA will begin charging a $45 non-refundable fee to travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or a federally approved alternative such as a passport or military ID. The fee covers TSA’s Confirm.ID verification service, which allows travelers without proper ID to be processed for up to 10 days of travel. This move follows the full enforcement of REAL ID standards in 2025, and aims to recover the operational cost of verifying identities on-site. While the TSA argues the fee is necessary to maintain security and convenience, critics say it disproportionately affects unprepared or lower-income travelers. The fee has sparked debate about fairness, awareness, and the accessibility of REAL ID compliance ahead of busy travel seasons.
Options
- Yes, it's fair to cover extra security costs
- No, it punishes unprepared travelers
- Only if it's clearly communicated in advance
- Not sure