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Starting 2026: $45 Fee for Non-REAL ID Travelers

1/30/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID will pay a $45 fee at TSA checkpoints to fund ConfirmID.
TSA official Steve Lorincz said about 6% of travelers lack a REAL ID.
They can obtain a REAL ID from their local DMV or use ConfirmID.
Alternatives to REAL ID include mobile IDs, passports, and military IDs.
Children under 18 are exempt from domestic flight ID requirements.

History

Historical Context

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. implemented security measures, including the REAL ID Act of 2005, which established national standards for state-issued IDs. By 2026, about 6% of travelers may face a $45 fee at checkpoints without a REAL ID, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance identification processes and security in travel, paralleling the rise of mobile IDs and biometric passports.

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Story summary

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID will pay a $45 fee at TSA checkpoints to fund ConfirmID.
TSA official Steve Lorincz said about 6% of travelers lack a REAL ID.
They can obtain a REAL ID from their local DMV or use ConfirmID.
Alternatives to REAL ID include mobile IDs, passports, and military IDs.
Children under 18 are exempt from domestic flight ID requirements.

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