TSA announces new $45 fee if travelers do not have REAL ID, other proper identification
The new rule takes effect Feb. 1, 2026.
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The TSA announced on Monday that air travelers will pay an extra $45 if they do not have an acceptable form of identification, which includes a REAL ID or passport.
For passengers at LaGuardia Airport, the announcement sent frustrations sky high.
“Now they want to charge $45 ?” said Marta Nisnik, of Queens. “This is ridiculous!”
“It’s a big expense for [passengers] to travel to begin with,” said Ed Parent, of North Carolina.
“It seems a bit excessive,” said Lewis Gwinn, of Indiana.
The fee gives you a temporary, 10-day verification called TSA Confirm.ID.
The new rule takes effect Feb. 1, 2026.
The REAL ID program was originally scheduled to roll out in 2008, but it faced multiple delays.
Passengers are hoping that the requirement gets delayed again.
“I think they should extend it for six months and then, if you don’t have it, then you just don’t get to fly,” said Gwinn.
“It’s very frustrating,” said Parent. “It’s a big pain in the butt.”
The TSA said 94% of passengers are already compliant.
Click here to find a full list of TSA-approved forms of identification.
