The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been making headlines over the last couple of months, and especially during the government shutdown, when its agents were forced to work without pay. 

In fact, the fall season has been a challenging one for air travel in the United States. In addition to disruptions caused by the government shutdown, poor weather conditions, including Hurricane Melissa, also made it difficult to maintain smooth operations in the skies. 

Major carriers were forced to delay or cancel thousands of flights at the country’s busiest airports during this period. 

On Nov. 16, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the flight reduction emergency order would be terminated on Monday, Nov. 17, meaning normal operations should resume across the National Airspace System (NAS).

However, even though air traffic is getting back to normal, there’s no break for the TSA, which is constantly finding ways to improve its operations and make traveling safer for passengers.

The TSA’s latest move is aimed at motivating travelers to respect its existing policy. 

The TSA said it will begin charging air travelers without Real IDs a $45 fee.

Jim Lambert/Shutterstock

US agency will charge $45 fee for air passengers without Real IDs

The TSA announced on Monday, Dec. 1, that starting Feb. 1, 2026, it will begin charging air travelers without Real IDs a $45 fee. The goal is to urge travelers to obtain required identity documents, reported Reuters. 

The news comes on the heels of TSA proposing a new plan, published in the Federal Register, under which it is “launching a modernized alternative identity verification program for individuals who present at the TSA checkpoint without the required acceptable form of identification (AFOID), such as a REAL ID or passport.” 

The proposal follows the REAL ID Act, which went into effect in May 2025.

The TSA called the new system “a modernized alternative identity verification program.” The program relies on kiosks that can confirm a person’s identity using biometric data (including facial recognition) and personal information, writes Dana Sullivan Kilroy for TheStreet. 

To cover part of the expenses for the new program, the TSA first proposed to charge travelers without Real ID with an $18 nonrefundable fee. However, on Monday, Dec. 1, the agency confirmed it will actually charge a $45 fee that will cover travel for a 10-day period. 

Reuters reported that officials have confirmed a higher price because expenses for the program were higher than first projected. 

The fees are nonrefundable, and if passengers don’t pay before arriving at the airport, it may take up to an extra 30 minutes to go through security. 

Officials also noted that in extraordinary circumstances they could waive the fees, according to Reuters. 

The REAL ID Act was enacted following the September 11 attacks 

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” according to TSA. 

Children under 18 do not have to present an ID at an airport checkpoint, and most travelers use state government-issued driver’s licenses that meet the requirements. 

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What’s more, the Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to urge passengers to obtain the ID, writes Fast Company.

What is a Real ID?

  • Real ID is a federal standard for state‑issued driver’s licenses and identification cards intended to improve security and identity verification.
  • Real IDs are used to gain access to: 1) certain federal facilities, 2) federally regulated commercial aircraft, and 3) nuclear power plants. 
  • A Real ID‑compliant card has a marking (often a star in the upper-right corner) indicating that it meets the DHS standards.
  • To obtain a Real ID, at a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name, 2) Date of Birth, 3) Social Security Number, 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence, and 5) Lawful Status. 
  • Real ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025.
    Source: TSA

Travelers are frustrated with TSA’s $45 fee for passengers without Real ID 

The news quickly reached Reddit, where travelers shared their opinion, expressing everything from frustration and confusion to quick acceptance. 

User paladin6687 argued that the TSA was neglecting security, but other users quickly disputed that claim.

“Because it’s a critical, essential, super important high security procedure to keep everyone safe…… unless you have some extra money, then…eh it’s cool. Just like every other aspect of our super essential critical high skill security apparatus these days. Bypass 90% of the ‘essential’ parts with a little money,” paladin6687 wrote. 

User NP_Wanderer replied explaining that this is just “another way to verify identity not a way to bypass security procedures. It will slow down the person’s security process and will be helpful to someone who left their ID at home.” 

User blissfully_happy shared having a hassle and not being able to get their Real ID, then argued that the change negatively impacts people with lower income. “What in the f**k do people do who don’t have stable housing??? JFC. This is just another f**king tax on poor and vulnerable people.” 

A significant number of travelers shared accepting comments, saying that the easiest option is for passengers to carry their passports and move on. 

User zorn7777 wrote, “So passport is still fine for free? Cool. Thanks.”

Related: You can now pass without a physical passport at these US airports