U.S. Travelers Face $45 Fee Without Real ID
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United States — The Transportation Security Administration began enforcing a $45 identity‑verification charge on Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers lacking a Real ID, passport, or other accepted identification. TSA implemented the fee through its TSA ConfirmID system, which grants a 10‑day verification window; passengers may pay online in advance or register at airports and must present a receipt to proceed to screening. TSA says about 94% of travelers already carry acceptable ID. New signage with QR codes posted. Officials criticized the charge; TSA cautions payment does not guarantee boarding if identity remains unverifiable. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Real ID requirements were established and some travelers did not obtain compliant IDs.
- In late 2025 TSA proposed a lower verification fee as part of policy adjustments.
- TSA finalized a $45 ConfirmID verification fee and announced Feb. 1, 2026 as the start date.
- Airports posted signage and QR codes; travelers can pay online or register at checkpoints.
- Travelers began encountering the fee on Feb. 1, 2026; officials and state leaders publicly responded.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 83%, Right 17%
TSA benefits by recovering the cost of identity verification through the $45 ConfirmID payment.
Travelers lacking a Real ID, passport, or other accepted identification face a $45 charge and possible travel disruption.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
U.S. Travelers Face $45 Fee Without Real ID
VisaliaTimesDelta.com Siskiyou Daily News CBS58 KFOR 4 Oklahoma City WFSB
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