The fee is intended to ensure that travelers foot the bill for the extra steps to identity verification.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the agency would allow passengers without a Real ID to fly commercial airlines for a $45 fee. The policy, which begins February 1, 2026, directs travelers who lack a Real ID to TSA’s site for identity verification before they enter the security line.
Acting TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl stated, “Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail.”
He continued, “The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process.“
The acting deputy administrator explained, “This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Acting Deputy Administrator Stahl to seek God’s guidance as he heads the Transportation Security Administration.
- For Secretary Noem to be led by the Lord as she oversees the Department of Homeland Security.
- For TSA workers as they prepare to implement the new Real ID workaround.
Sources: Transportation Security Administration
