Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will enforce a new policy that mandates a $45 fee for passengers who arrive at airport checkpoints without a valid form of identification, such as a passport or Real ID. This policy change comes in the wake of a proposed rule that was published in the Federal Register, which initially set the fee at $18.
Senior officials from the TSA have justified the increase in the final fee, attributing it to the higher-than-expected costs associated with new technology and operational expenses. Passengers who arrive without the necessary identification will have the option to complete identification procedures online via the TSA website and pay the $45 fee.
Upon completion of the online process, passengers will receive an email confirmation that they must present to a TSA officer at the checkpoint. The process is estimated to take between 10 and 15 minutes, but could potentially take up to 30 minutes or longer. The confirmation will remain valid for 10 days from the day of travel.
However, TSA officials have emphasized that the fee is nonrefundable and not guaranteed. If the TSA is unable to verify a passenger’s identity, that individual will not be allowed to fly. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of all travelers by preventing potential threats from accessing domestic transportation systems.
Passengers who find themselves in the checkpoint line without proper identification will be removed from the queue to complete the online verification process. According to TSA data, 94% of travelers arrive at the airport with an acceptable form of ID.
In an effort to promote this new policy, TSA officials are collaborating with airlines to incorporate information about the fee and identification requirements into the booking process. This enforcement coincides with the introduction of digital passports in the Apple Wallet, which are now accepted at over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel.