A new $45 fee for travelers without Real ID starts Feb. 1. Here's what to know.

January 31, 2026

TL;DR

A new $45 fee will be imposed on travelers without a Real ID starting February 1st.
The fee is to offset the cost of additional screening for passengers without compliant identification.
The ConfirmID program will require passengers without Real IDs to answer personal questions to verify their identity.
Acceptable forms of identification include a Real ID, passport, or DHS trusted traveler card.
Travelers are encouraged to obtain a Real ID or other acceptable ID before heading to the airport to avoid delays.
The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport via various payment methods.
About 94% of travelers are already Real ID compliant.
The fee is intended to ensure that the cost of ID verification is covered by the traveler, not the taxpayer.

Continue reading the original article