TSA Will Charge $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting Feb. 1

Airline passengers lacking REAL ID-compliant identification after Jan. 31 must pay a $45 fee for identity verification before passing through airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration introduces this charge on Feb. 1.

This fee covers costs for a modernized alternative identity verification system called TSA ConfirmID. The verification lasts a 10-day travel period. Travelers who book their return flight within that window pay once for both flights.

"Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail," said Adam Stahl, according to ABC News 4. Stahl serves as Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005 after 9/11. The law prevents certain federal agencies from accepting any identification.

North Carolina has been issuing REAL IDs for nine years. More than 5 million residents have one, which represents about 58% of the state's population.

"With this new fee approaching, we urge anyone without a REAL ID to visit NCREALID.gov today to check if you need one and to learn exactly what documents to bring if you do," said North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Paul Tine, per HS Today. "Our offices are making it easier than ever: every driver license office now accepts walk-ins from open to close, and appointments can be booked up to seven days in advance with new slots added each weekday."

TSA made it mandatory for travelers to have a REAL ID to pass through security in May 2025 but has since tightened the regulations. "Those who do not want to pay the $45 fee for the modernized ID verification still have time to get their REAL ID compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID," said RDU Federal Security Director Jennifer Gordon.

North Carolina DMV spokesperson Marty Homan said, per WCCB, "There hasn't been a noticeable increase in demand at offices since the fee announcement." Appointment availability remains limited across the state, with no openings visible on the website as of Wednesday afternoon. Homan suggests looking for an appointment at midnight each weekday.

Officials urge those without proper identification to pay online and bring proof of purchase alongside any identification to the airport. Areas around airports will offer payment options as well. Travelers without acceptable identification should arrive two hours before their flight boards.