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last mo.

TSA Sets $45 Identity-Check Fee for Flyers Without REAL ID Beginning Feb. 1, 2026

TSA says the charge recovers the cost of Confirm.ID for the small share of passengers who still lack accepted identification.

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Overview

  • Paying the nonrefundable fee does not guarantee clearance, as travelers who cannot be verified will be denied checkpoint access.
  • Flyers can complete Confirm.ID online in advance or at airport kiosks, with typical processing times of 10–15 minutes that can stretch to 30 minutes or more at the checkpoint.
  • A successful verification covers up to ten days of travel before another payment would be required for those still without compliant ID.
  • TSA notes that about 94% of travelers already present acceptable documents such as a U.S. passport, a Global Entry card, or a military ID.
  • In a local response, Illinois extended its Chicago Loop REAL ID walk-in Supercenter through the end of 2026 to help residents obtain compliant IDs and avoid the fee.