Traveling is becoming increasingly expensive. Whether we find ticket deals or opt for economy class, there always seem to be additional fees.
Now, there’s another fee to be aware of, but this time it’s not from the airline. The TSA has implemented a surcharge for travelers without a specific form of identification.
Starting in November 2025, the TSA announced that non-Real ID travelers will be required to pay an $18 fee to get through security, and this fee is only set to increase. On February 1, 2026, the fee will now be be $45, according to the TSA website.
Under this new rule, travelers who do not possess the required identification—such as a Real ID or passport—will need to have their identities verified by the TSA at security checkpoints.
How to pay the $45 TSA fee online before you travel
TSA offers an online portal called TSA ConfirmID, which allows travelers to pay a $45 fee before arriving at the airport. If passengers pay this fee, they can go through a security checkpoint without an ID for 10 days from the date of payment, provided they travel again within that timeframe.
Travelers need to present a ConfirmID receipt to TSA officials and proceed through the security checkpoint as usual, along with any non-compliant documents and proof of completion of the ConfirmID process.
However, it’s important to note that this process does not guarantee that TSA can verify a traveler’s identity. Therefore, even after paying the fee, there is still a possibility of being denied boarding.
Want to avoid TSA’s $45 security fee? Make sure to have these acceptable forms of ID
If you don’t have a Real ID, here are some backup acceptable IDs you can show to TSA to avoid the $45 charge.
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- Foreign passports
- Permanent resident cards
- Border crossing cards