BREAKING: TSA adds 45 dollar option for travelers without ID at checkpoints, starting Feb 1, 2026. This is not a fee for everyone. It only applies if you show up without an acceptable ID and still want to fly. We confirmed the rollout and what it means for your next trip. ✈️
What the 45 dollar option actually is
If you reach the TSA podium without a REAL ID compliant license, passport, or other approved ID, you will face a choice. You can leave the checkpoint and find ID. Or you can pay 45 dollars for an alternative identity verification process. After that check, you still go through standard security screening.
This is meant for exceptions, not daily use. Think of it as a last resort when a wallet is missing or a license is expired. It keeps planes moving, and avoids trips ruined by a forgotten ID. It does not change the security rules. It does not move you to the front of the line.
Only travelers without an acceptable ID at the checkpoint pay 45 dollars. If you bring proper ID, you pay nothing extra.
How the checkpoint verification will work
Plan for questions and time. A TSA officer will collect your name and key details. You may answer questions based on public records, like past addresses. A real time database check follows. Expect a photo capture that links you to your boarding pass. If TSA cannot confirm your identity, you will not be allowed through.
This process adds minutes, sometimes more during peak periods. It is not a shortcut. After verification, you still remove shoes if required, unpack electronics as needed, and follow the same screening rules as everyone.
Rollout will be phased. Large hubs will likely see the option first, then mid sized and regional airports. Hours and staffing can vary. Do not bank on this if you are racing to a gate.
Availability may differ by airport during rollout. Build in extra time if you plan to use this option.
How to avoid the fee, every time
Bring a valid, acceptable ID. That is the easiest and cheapest answer. REAL ID rules are in effect at airport checkpoints. Your license needs the star or your state equivalent mark, or use a passport instead. Digital images on your phone do not count.
Here are common IDs that work for domestic flights:
- REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler card, like Global Entry
- U.S. military ID or federally recognized tribal ID
If you are packing for a big trip, do a two step check the night before.
- Put your ID in the same pocket of your travel bag, every time.
- Carry a passport as a backup for high stakes trips like honeymoons or cruises.
- Confirm your license has the REAL ID star, and that it is not expired.
- Add a five minute ID check to your leave the house routine. 🪪
Traveling with teens on a school break. Kids under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights when flying with an adult, but the adult must have acceptable ID.
What this means for your trips and destinations
Expect smoother outcomes for forgetful moments, not faster lines. The 45 dollar option gives travelers a second chance on busy mornings. That matters during holiday peaks, spring break, and festival weekends. It also helps at gateway airports that feed popular destinations, from Orlando to Las Vegas.
Leisure travel demand remains strong, with full planes bound for beaches, parks, and cruise ports. That raises the cost of a mistake. A missing ID can mean a missed connection, a lost hotel night, and a ruined itinerary. With this option, you may still make that first leg to Denver, then on to the slopes. You may still reach Miami in time to board.
Business travelers get a safety net too. Early flights mean foggy brains. A backup process can keep a same day client meeting on track. Still, time is your enemy in the queue. The verification step is slower than a simple scan of a license. Plan your arrival with a buffer, even if you never intend to use it.
The road to February 2026
The start date is February 1, 2026. Between now and then, airports will set up the flow, train officers, and tune the tech. Airlines will adjust pre trip reminders. DMVs will continue to push REAL ID appointments. Your best move is simple. Upgrade to a REAL ID, and keep your passport current.
Here is the bottom line. The 45 dollar option is a safety valve, not a toll to fly. Bring the right ID and you will not pay a cent. Forget it, and you may still make your flight, for a price. Pack smart, check twice, and keep your trip on track.
