Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a new process for all airline passengers in the U.S. who do not possess a REAL ID or equivalent compliant form of identification.
All travelers arriving at the airport without a REAL ID, passport or equivalent will be subject to a new $45 fee covering up to a 10-day travel period.
The fee is intended to cover the technology and administrative costs associated with verifying identities.
Currently, 94% of airline passengers in the U.S. already have a REAL ID, according to the TSA.
For more information about acceptable forms of ID to travel with in U.S. airports, visit the TSA website.
