Why Did TSA Add a New $45 Fee and How Can I Avoid It?

Airport security is looking mighty different these days, and if you aren’t aware of these changes, it’ll cost ya — literally!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has changed quite a few air travel rules over the past year-plus. From easing what you need to remove during a security screening to rolling out new biometric features, TSA has kept airports busy with updates. That also includes an identification change that could result in a fee if you don’t comply.

Starting February 1st, 2026, TSA started invoking a $45 fee for travelers who do not have a REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints. This fee is applied to travelers who still want to fly. Real IDs replaced regular IDs as the TSA standard last May.

The $45 fee is in place to cover the TSA ConfirmID process, which will still allow you to travel despite the slip-up.  This fee is paid for by the traveler and not the taxpayer, notably.

REAL IDs, passports, and other forms of identification are accepted by TSA, and you can read the full list by clicking HERE.

If you already know you don’t have the proper identification, TSA is encouraging travelers to pay this fee online before heading to the airport. You can also pay at the airport, but you should expect delays if you wait until the last minute.

This requirement is in place for travelers 18 and older, and digital identifiers like Apple Digital ID, Clear ID, and Google ID Pass are accepted.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

More airport changes are inevitable, so keep it posted right here at AllEars to stay in the know regarding any and all major travel updates!

Don’t Get Stopped at Airport Security: The Full List of IDs TSA Accepts

What other changes would you like to see implemented with airport security? Share your thoughts in the comments below.