Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a new policy requiring passengers to pay a $45 fee if they arrive at airport checkpoints without an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or Real ID. This decision follows a proposed rule published in the Federal Register, which previously set the fee at $18.
Senior TSA officials explained that the increase in the final fee was due to the higher-than-anticipated expenses for new technology and operational costs. Passengers who arrive without the necessary identification will have the option to complete identification steps online via the TSA website and pay the $45 fee.
Once the online process is completed, passengers will receive an email confirmation that they must present to a TSA officer at the checkpoint. The process is estimated to take between 10 and 15 minutes, but could potentially take up to 30 minutes or longer. The confirmation will remain valid for 10 days from the day of travel.
However, TSA officials have clarified that the fee is nonrefundable and not guaranteed. If the TSA is unable to verify a passenger’s identity, that individual will not be permitted to fly. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of all travelers by preventing potential threats from accessing domestic transportation systems.
Passengers who find themselves in the checkpoint line without proper identification will be removed from the queue to complete the online verification process. According to TSA data, 94% of travelers arrive at the airport with an acceptable form of ID.
In an effort to promote this new policy, TSA officials are collaborating with airlines to incorporate information about the fee and identification requirements into the booking process. This enforcement coincides with the introduction of digital passports in the Apple Wallet, which are now accepted at over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel.