NEWS: TSA Announces New $45 Fee for Travelers

A new travel rule is being set in 2026!

Starting on February 1st, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will start cracking down on making sure travelers are using a REAL ID. Let’s take a look at the details!

Beginning on February 1st, 2026, travelers going through airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID or passport will be charged a $45 fee. This was announced by the TSA on December 1st, 2025, according to ABC News.

The agency is continuing its REAL ID implementation process with this next phase, and this fee is a part of it. This will now require travelers to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system if they don’t have a compliant form of identification.

According to the agency,  “Around 94% of travelers are already using a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID.” This new fee in 2026 is obviously an attempt to raise that percentage even higher.

We previously reported that a new rule had been proposed that would implement an $18 fee, but it appears that the new fee will actually be $45 instead.

It seems like there are mixed reviews on this new fee and the REAL ID implementation as a whole. Some believe it’s not a big deal, while others don’t want to bother with getting a REAL ID, wanting to stick with a passport or other identification. It will be interesting to see what’s next after the fee is implemented, and how it affects travelers.

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For more travel news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to AllEars!

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What are your thoughts on the new fee? Let us know in the comments!