Flyers Without REAL ID Face New TSA Charge

(Mix 93-1) Navigating an airport can be stressful for many. From finding a parking spot to getting a boarding pass, going through TSA screening, finding the gate, and then the correct baggage carousel upon arrival is a lot of work for some. The process is flawless for many others, but it can be taxing for those who are not prepared.

One of the major slowdowns to get to your gate is going through TSA screening. Even before getting to the screening and X-ray machines, you must first prove who you are by matching your boarding pass and legal ID. As of May 7, 2025, everyone who flies must provide an ID that is REAL ID-compliant to a TSA screener.

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If your legal ID or driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will be delayed and have to go through additional screening to prove who you say you are. While doing so, you will soon face a new charge to go through the additional screening.

What Is TSA Confirm.ID and How It Works

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it will implement a $45 fee to fly domestically beginning February 1, 2026, for those who are not REAL ID compliant. A new identification program will allow passengers to fly once they are confirmed through the modernized alternative verification system called TSA Confirm.ID.

The TSA Confirm.ID program ID will be valid for a 10-day travel period. Once expired, the passenger will have to go through the process again and pay an additional $45 for a new 10-day ID.

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How Texas Travelers Can Avoid the $45 Fee

To beat the system and avoid paying the new $45 fee and going through the 10-30 minute process of confirming your ID at the airport TSA checkpoint, you can schedule an appointment at a Texas DPS office to update your license or ID for a REAL ID-compliant card.

Accepted Alternative IDs at Airport Security

Other acceptable forms of ID are accepted at TSA checkpoints, too.

According to the TSA, this new fee will only affect 6% of passengers; around 94% of passengers already use REAL ID or other forms of identification.

For those opting to use TSA Confirm.ID, they may pay for the service in advance online or in person, and plan on arriving at the airport even earlier than usual to go through the process so they won't miss their flight.