TSA REAL ID Fee takes effect nationwide in 2026, reshaping how millions—including Latino travelers—access domestic flights
Starting in February 2026, adult passengers flying domestically within the United States who do not present a REAL ID–compliant identification will be required to pay a new $45 federal fee to proceed through airport security, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The policy is part of the final phase of implementation of the REAL ID Act, a federal law passed by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The law establishes uniform national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. After multiple delays—including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—the requirement officially took effect on May 7, 2025.
The charge, officially called the “TSA ConfirmID Fee,” applies to passengers aged 18 and older who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification. According to documentation published in the Federal Register, the fee is intended to cover the cost of electronic and biometric identity verification conducted at the airport.
Passengers who do not have proper identification will be directed to a separate screening area, where they must complete a digital identity verification process through TSA’s official system. Once verified and after paying the fee, travelers will receive a digital confirmation valid for 10 days, which must be presented to security officers before entering the sterile area.
TSA officials stress that payment of the fee does not guarantee clearance. If a traveler’s identity cannot be verified, access to the security checkpoint may be denied.
Accepted IDs That Avoid the Fee
Travelers can avoid the additional charge by presenting one of the following valid forms of identification:
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U.S. passport
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U.S. passport card
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DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST)
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U.S. military ID
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Permanent resident card
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Federally recognized tribal photo ID
The full list of acceptable documents is available on the TSA website.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a REAL ID must be obtained in person at a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Applicants must present original documents proving legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency, and lawful immigration status. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper-right corner. Licenses labeled “Federal Limits Apply” are not valid for domestic flights.
DHS also reminds travelers that a U.S. passport remains valid for both domestic and international travel and that REAL ID does not replace a passport for trips abroad.
What This Means for Travelers
For millions of Americans—including workers who travel frequently and families flying for medical care or family obligations—the new fee adds a potential cost and delay if identification is not up to date. TSA estimates the additional verification process can take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on airport traffic and system confirmation.
Federal officials say the policy is designed to encourage widespread adoption of REAL ID–compliant documents, reducing last-minute exceptions and improving efficiency at security checkpoints.
The message from TSA is straightforward: checking your identification before booking a flight can prevent delays, added costs, and stress at the airport.
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