Don't Have a Real ID? TSA Says You'll Pay a $45 Fee to Get Through Airport Security

"Travelers who do not yet have a Real ID, or other valid form of alternative identification like a passport will soon be required to pay the fee before their trip in person or via Pay.gov, with a link to pay available via the TSA's website. They will then be provided with a receipt to present to a TSA officer during the usual security screening."

""We reassessed the cost associated with providing this option to travelers," a spokesperson for the TSA said on a call attended by Travel + Leisure. "After careful review, we determined that the expenses for the new technology and operational costs were higher than originally projected." The spokesperson added the cost will be paid by non-compliant individuals and will not impact or "impede the compliant population." The spokesperson noted about 94 percent of the traveling public is currently compliant."

"Once travelers make a payment, it will be valid for what amounts to a 10-day pass. The TSA noted this period is intended to cover an average one-week trip. However, if travelers plan to be away for longer, they will have to buy multiple passes-one for their departure and one for their return. Travelers will also have to purchase passes for each successive"

Starting February 2026, passengers without an updated Real ID or a valid passport will need to pay a $45 non-refundable fee to clear airport security. Payment must be made before travel in person or via Pay.gov through a link on the TSA website, and travelers receive a receipt to present at screening. The fee rose from an initial $18 estimate after reassessment found higher technology and operational costs. A paid pass is valid for 10 days, intended to cover an average one-week trip; longer trips require additional passes for departures and returns. Approximately 94 percent of travelers are currently compliant.

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