Travelers without a REAL ID, a Passport, or another acceptable form of identification will be charged $45 at the airport to fly starting Feb. 1, 2026.

The new process, TSA Confirm.ID will be used to verify identity at security checkpoints, said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in a Dec. 1 announcement, and will cover the roughly 6% of air travelers who lack sufficient identification.

TSA expects increased wait times for passengers who do not provide an acceptable ID.

“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," said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl in a statement.

"The $45 fee ensures the cost to cover verific

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