Get ready for a major change at airport security! A $45 fee is coming your way if you don't have the right ID.
Sean Cudahy, our aviation expert, brings you the latest news. Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will charge travelers $45 if they show up at checkpoints without a valid ID. This includes those who forget their ID or leave it at home.
But here's where it gets controversial... The TSA initially proposed an $18 fee, but now it's almost tripled! And this is the part most people miss: the fee applies to anyone without a Real ID-caliber driver's license or an approved alternative ID like a passport.
The TSA estimates that only a small percentage of travelers will be affected, but for those who forget their ID, it's a costly mistake. The agency justifies the fee by saying it takes more time and technology to verify identities without an acceptable ID, hence the new 'Confirm ID' program.
Here's how 'Confirm ID' works: travelers can prepay through the federal government's Pay.gov website before heading to the airport. After paying, they bring a receipt and go through security like everyone else. If they don't prepay and don't have a valid ID, they'll have to exit the line, register, and pay, which could take up to 30 minutes.
The $45 fee essentially buys you 10 days of access to TSA checkpoints. So, if you're on a short trip, you won't have to pay twice. But there's no guarantee of a successful screening, and if the TSA can't verify your identity, you may not fly.
The bottom line? Most travelers won't be affected, but for frequent flyers, losing or forgetting your ID could be costly. It's yet another added cost on top of airline fees. So, make sure you have your ID before heading to the airport!
What do you think about this new fee? Is it a fair way to cover the costs of enhanced security, or is it just another way to squeeze money from travelers? Share your thoughts in the comments!
