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A New $45 Fee for Travelers without Real ID Starts Feb. 1. Here's What to Know.
Starting Feb. 1, travelers without REAL ID or acceptable ID must pay $45 for TSA ConfirmID, covering administrative costs for additional identity verification, TSA said.
- Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will charge a $45 ConfirmID fee at Paul International Airport and Wilmington Airport for travelers lacking a REAL ID or acceptable identification.
- The REAL ID Act of 2005 established the standard and led to about 94 percent air traveler compliance, while TSA says 6% of customers still lack a REAL ID and can obtain one after May 7, 2025.
- The verification process typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and TSA ConfirmID uses automated biographic and biometric verification with a $45 fee, nearly tripling the previous $18 charge, valid for a 10-day travel period.
- TSA warns that travelers who don't use ConfirmID may miss flights, and paying the $45 fee does not guarantee clearance as identification verification may fail, causing longer screening.
- Officials say the $45 fee is to have non-compliant travelers cover costs, and TSA accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports, with early DMV checks recommended.
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51 Articles
Editorial: REAL ID finally taking effect at U.S. airports
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has issued a heads-up to air travelers: Come next month, they must present a federally approved form of identification, such as a REAL ID driver’s license, a REAL ID card, or a valid U.S. passport when proceeding through airport security for domestic flights. More than 65% — 3.67 million — of Massachusetts residents already have obtained a REAL ID. It’s something you can obtain without waiting for you…
·Boston, United States
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Don't have a REAL ID yet? TSA to charge $45 fee starting Sunday
Longer wait times at the nation's airports should be expected for people without a REAL ID, TSA said..
·Seattle, United States
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Total News Sources51
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center35Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Center
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
83% Center
C 83%
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