The TSA has made a few overhauls this year that travelers love. You can keep your shoes on. The new TSA family lanes speeds up security for families and individuals alike. But the latest airport rule change is more annoying than exciting.
Today, the agency announced a new $45 fee for passengers going through security without a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative.
Taking effect on February 1, the fee applies to anyone using the agency's new "alternative identity verification program" designed specifically for passengers without a compliant form of identification. Here's what you need to know ahead of your next flight.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
TSA to charge $45 fee to travelers with no REAL ID
After repeated delays, the TSA officially began enforcing the use of the REAL ID to get through airport security in May. While many states had already switched over by then, Americans who hadn't renewed their driver's license since the switch or who lived in states that hadn't made the change yet scrambled to get the compliant form of identification.
Now that travelers have had a few months to get their driver's license updated to the new format, the TSA has announced plans to start charging a fee to travelers who still haven't done so.
"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,” the agency said in a press release on Monday.
If you're going through security without a REAL ID or one of the government-approved REAL ID alternatives, you'll see a $45 fee for doing so starting in February. The price is based on the estimated cost of operating the TSA Confirm.ID process, an alternative identity verification program created to screen passengers who don't have a compliant form of ID.
REAL ID alternatives to avoid the TSA fee
If you want to avoid the new TSA fee but can't make time to go to the DMV before February, you may already have an acceptable alternative. According to the TSA, 94% of passengers are already using either a REAL ID or a valid alternative.
Acceptable REAL ID alternatives include:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or other trusted traveler card issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
- A permanent resident card
- A border crossing card
- A Veteran Health Identification card
- A photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
- A USCIS Employment Authorization card
If you don't have any of those alternatives, you'll have to go through an additional screening process. In addition to the extra $45 fee, expect the process to take longer than it would normally. That means showing up earlier than usual to make sure the additional screening doesn't cause you to miss your flight.
Related content
-
Dow Soars 600 Points as Trump Retreats: Stock Market TodayAnother up and down day ends on high notes for investors, traders, speculators and Greenland.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
7 Hybrid Adviser Services, ReviewedThese hybrid adviser services aim for a sweet spot that combines digital investing with a human touch.
-
How Prices Have Changed in Trump's First YearTrump campaigned on bringing prices down for Americans. Here's where prices stand one year into his second term.
-
Beyond the Bar: Your 5-Step Guide to Discovering Whether a Lawyer Is ShadyResearch shows you can't rely on some state bar websites to vet a lawyer you're considering hiring. Here's how to check out a lawyer before you hire.
-
6 Practical Steps to Help Keep Your Student Focused on College Rather Than the Financial StrainToo many students drop out due to financial strain. This plan can help families plan for the costs and get timely aid that sees students through to graduation.
-
How to Plan a (Successful) Family ReunionFrom shaping the guest list to building the budget, here's how to design a successful and memorable family reunion.
-
Does Your Car Insurer Need to Know All Your Kids? Michigan Cases Raise QuestionWho you list on your policy matters more than most drivers realize, especially when it comes to who lives in your home.
-
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Health Needs?With the direct primary care model, you pay a membership fee for more personalized medical services.
-
Smart Ways to Share a Credit CardAdding an authorized user has its benefits, but make sure you set the ground rules.
-
Consider These 4 Tweaks to Your 2026 Financial Plan, Courtesy of a Financial PlannerThere's never a bad time to make or review a financial plan. But recent changes to the financial landscape might make it especially important to do so now.
