New TSA policy to charge passengers nearly $50 if they don’t have acceptable ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging passengers $45 if they show up at airport checkpoints without an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or REAL ID.

The policy will be implemented starting Feb.1, 2026, following a proposed rule published in the Federal Register that noted a previous amount of $18.

After careful review, it was determined that the expenses for the new technology and operational costs were higher than originally projected, leading to an increase in the final fee, according to senior TSA officials.

NEW TSA POLICY MAY CHARGE PASSENGERS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCEPTABLE IDS AT CHECKPOINTS

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Travelers who do not have an acceptable form of identification will be able to go online to the TSA website to complete identification steps and pay the $45 fee.

The passenger then receives an email confirmation to present to the TSA officer prior to the checkpoint.

Passengers arriving at TSA checkpoints beginning Feb.1, 2026 without proper identification will face a nonrefundable $45 fee, plus a verification process.(Ronaldo Schemidt /AFP via Getty Images)

The process is predicted to take between 10 and 15 minutes — but could take 30 minutes or longer.

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The confirmation will be valid for 10 days from the day of travel, the TSA said. 

Ninety-four percent of travelers show up to the airport with an acceptable form of ID.(Reuters)

If the TSA isunable to identify a passenger, that individual will not be able to fly, in order to keep the system safe.

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If a passenger is in the checkpoint line without an ID, that person will be removed from the queue to fill out the online verification process.

(AP)

Ninety-four percent of travelers show up to the airport with an acceptable form of ID.

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Senior officials say they areworking with airlinesto help promote the effort in the booking process.

Officials at the TSA say they’re working with the airlines to help promote the new effort in the booking process.(David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Apple Walletnow stores digital passports for screening at 250-plus U.S.airports during domestic travel.

Ashley J.