Avoid the $45 Real ID Fee: New U.S. Travel Rule Starts February 2026

A new fee is coming for certain air travelers in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon charge passengers who do not have a Real ID. This new rule takes effect on February 1, 2026.

The charge is set at $45 per person. This news follows the recent full enforcement of the federal Real ID Act. Officials say the fee will help fund an updated identity verification system.

Understanding the Real ID Requirement and New Charge

A Real ID is a driver’s license or state ID that meets stricter federal standards. The goal is to improve security at airports nationwide. According to reports from The New York Times, the TSA confirmed the new $45 fee in a Federal Register notice.

Passengers without a Real ID will face this charge at the airport. The fee covers a ten-day window. If you travel again within those ten days, you will not pay another fee.

The TSA states the fee is necessary. It will offset the cost of operating the new verification program, called TSA Confirm.ID. Travelers may have the option to pay online before arriving at the airport, though full details are not yet available.

How Travelers Can Avoid the Upcoming Fee

Many travelers already have the right documents. A standard U.S. passport book is a valid alternative to a Real ID. A cheaper U.S. passport card also works for domestic flights.

The State Department has clarified these exemptions. They noted that a passport card, which costs around $30, is sufficient to avoid the fee for domestic travel. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.

Before this fee, travelers without a Real ID faced extra security screenings. The TSA found this process time-consuming and difficult to manage at scale. The new fee is partly a response to those operational challenges.

Families who travel infrequently should check their IDs now. Getting a Real ID or passport before February 2026 is the easiest way to avoid the extra cost.

The new Real ID fee underscores a shift toward stricter and more funded identity checks for domestic air travel. Ensuring you have compliant identification well before the 2026 deadline is the simplest way to avoid this unexpected travel charge.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What is a Real ID?

A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It is marked with a star in the top corner. It is now required for boarding domestic flights unless you use a passport.

Q2: How much is the new TSA fee?

The fee is $45 for travelers without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative. It is a one-time charge valid for ten days of travel. The rule starts on February 1, 2026.

Q3: What can I use instead of a Real ID to avoid the fee?

You can use a valid U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card. The passport card is cheaper but only works for domestic travel. A standard passport book works for both domestic and international flights.

Q4: Why is the TSA implementing this new charge?

The TSA says the fee will help fund its new identity verification system. Screening passengers without compliant IDs has been resource-intensive. The charge is intended to cover those operational costs.

Q5: Do children need a Real ID to avoid the fee?

Yes, the rule applies to all passengers regardless of age. Children under 18 traveling with their family will also need a compliant ID. Families should plan accordingly to avoid multiple fees.

Trusted Sources

The New York Times, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Register notice, U.S. Department of State.