Starting Feb. 1, 2026, air travelers without a REAL ID or other compliant ID will face a $45 fee to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints, according to RochesterFirst.com.
The new Confirm.ID process replaces the current free screening for non-compliant travelers. TSA says the fee ensures taxpayers don’t foot the bill. The hike—up from an earlier proposed $18—shocked travelers, some of whom called it unfair and warned it could hurt air travel demand.
REAL ID upgrades remain free aside from DMV processing fees.
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