What's happened
Starting February 1, U.S. travelers without a REAL ID or acceptable ID must pay $45 for identity verification via ConfirmID. The fee covers a 10-day travel window but does not guarantee boarding. Most travelers are already compliant, but the new process may increase wait times at airports.
What's behind the headline?
The introduction of the $45 fee for non-compliant travelers reflects a shift towards funding biometric verification systems like ConfirmID, which aim to streamline security. While most travelers are compliant, the fee and new process may cause delays and confusion, especially for infrequent flyers. This move benefits the TSA by shifting costs away from taxpayers and onto those who lack proper IDs. However, it risks alienating travelers who may be caught off guard, potentially impacting airline punctuality and passenger experience. The reliance on biometric verification indicates a broader push for increased security measures, but the added time and cost could discourage some from traveling or prompt more to obtain REAL IDs, ultimately improving overall security compliance.
What the papers say
Business Insider UK reports that the TSA now charges $45 for identity verification at checkpoints for travelers without a REAL ID, covering a 10-day travel period. The Independent emphasizes that this fee is not a penalty but a payment for using the new ConfirmID biometric system, which may add up to 30 minutes to security checks. AP News highlights that the fee applies to travelers 18 and older, with accepted IDs including passports, permanent resident cards, and military IDs. All sources agree that the process is designed to encourage compliance with the REAL ID Act, but the extra time and cost could cause inconvenience and delays at airports. The TSA recommends paying the fee online beforehand to reduce wait times, and most travelers already meet the new requirements, making the impact primarily on non-compliant travelers.
How we got here
The REAL ID Act of 2005 mandated enhanced security standards for state-issued IDs following the 9/11 attacks. Implementation was delayed multiple times, but the requirement became effective in May 2026. Travelers now need a star-marked REAL ID or other accepted IDs to pass through TSA checkpoints without extra screening.
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The United States Department of Homeland Security is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries.
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The Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks.