Starting Feb 1st not having a REAL ID will cost you $45 at the airport

Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, Homeland Security REAL ID message.
Real ID deadline FILE PHOTO: The Real ID deadline is May 7. Will you be ready? (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Jeff Greenberg/Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Imag)

TSA says that beginning Feb 1, 2026 it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints.

Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period.

TSA is also encouraging travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

The federal deadline to obtain REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card is May 7, 2026.

Check out all the details here.

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