Starting February 1, 2026, air travel across the U.S. will come with a new catch: forget your REAL ID, and you’ll pay $45 just to board a domestic flight. This isn’t a scare tactic; it’s official policy. The TSA’s new ConfirmID system targets roughly 150,000 daily travelers who lack compliant identification, generating potentially billions in fees while leaving many scrambling to comply.
The shift has been years in the making, with officials emphasizing that “the 20-year delay finally runs out.” Here’s what’s happening as the deadline approaches.
A 20-Year Delay Finally Ends
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 following 9/11 Commission recommendations, but enforcement was delayed for years. On May 7, 2025, TSA began nationwide ID checks at checkpoints. Most travelers could still fly with non-compliant IDs after extra screening, but that grace period ends February 1, 2026. A new barrier now appears at security lines, leaving those without compliant identification facing a choice: pay the fee or risk being denied boarding.
This milestone marks the culmination of decades of planning and delay. “There have been 17 years for people to get compliant with REAL ID,” Janice Kephart, former counsel to the 9/11 Commission, told Marketplace in December 2025. Millions remain unprepared, and the TSA is ready to enforce the rule fully.
TSA ConfirmID launches February 1 as a fee-funded identity verification program. Travelers without acceptable ID can pay $45 and undergo enhanced screening using biometric or biographic verification. The process takes 10–30 minutes and can occur online before traveling or at the airport. One receipt covers all flights within a 10-day window, but trips outside that period require another payment.
Initially, TSA proposed an $18 fee in November 2025, but by early December, the agency announced the final cost: $45. TSA says the increase reflects administrative and technology expenses needed to verify identities using advanced systems, according to the Federal Register filing published December 3, 2025. The jump stunned many travelers who had expected a lower fee.
Who Faces the Fee and Why
About 94% of passengers already carry compliant IDs, such as REAL IDs, passports, military IDs, or trusted traveler cards. The remaining 6%—roughly 150,000 people per day among 2.7 million daily air travelers—face the $45 fee. Over a year, if each traveler paid once, fees could theoretically reach $2.46 billion, though actual revenue will vary based on the 10-day validity window and compliance shifts.
State compliance rates vary widely. Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Washington D.C. report nearly 100% compliance. Texas sits at 98%, Mississippi at 97%, and Hawaii and Utah at 96%. Meanwhile, New Jersey lags at 17%, Pennsylvania at 26%, and Illinois has two-thirds of residents still without compliant IDs. High-demand states opened REAL ID super centers to process large volumes of applications.
DMV Bottlenecks and Travel Risks
Obtaining a REAL ID requires a DMV visit with proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of residency, and lawful status. Appointments fill rapidly, creating nationwide backlogs, especially in populous states. California, for instance, processes online REAL IDs in about two weeks via mail.
TSA ConfirmID also applies to those who forget their ID at home. Families, business travelers, and vacationers rushing to the airport can pay $45 to complete verification. However, paying does not guarantee boarding. TSA warns that verification may fail due to record issues or database problems, and the fee is non-refundable according to official TSA guidance published January 2026.
Deadlines, Exceptions, and Travel Strategies
Travelers can avoid the $45 fee with a valid U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler card, Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, or enhanced driver’s license issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington. Children under 18 are exempt.
With February 1 approaching, travelers must schedule DMV appointments, gather documents, and allow for mailing delays. Some states offer emergency REAL ID appointments for travelers departing within two weeks, with expedited shipping fees around $80. Experts predict a mix of outcomes: some travelers will rush to comply, while others may simply pay $45 when needed. Frequent flyers, in particular, are likely to find REAL IDs more cost-effective over time.
Conclusion: A New Era of Air Travel
The February 1 deadline ushers in a new era of air travel enforcement. Millions of Americans will face tough choices: pay the $45 ConfirmID fee, risk denial at security, or obtain a REAL ID before departure. The policy shift highlights the long-term consequences of delayed compliance and uneven state readiness.
Travelers, especially infrequent flyers and adults over 50, must weigh convenience, cost, and preparation. For frequent flyers, securing a REAL ID is financially smarter than repeatedly paying fees. February 1 marks more than a policy change—it is a clear statement that air travel will now demand proof of identity, enforced with tangible consequences.
Sources:
TSA Confirm.ID User Fee. Federal Register, December 3, 2025
TSA ConfirmID Program Overview. Transportation Security Administration, January 2026
What to Know About Real ID Requirements as TSA Set to Enforce New Fee. ABC News, January 7, 2026
REAL ID Compliance Rates by State. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 2025
Have a REAL ID? If not, you may have to pay a $45 fee. Marketplace, December 4, 2025
What You Need to Know About Real ID and Travel. AARP, November 30, 2025