A NEW TSA Rule Goes Into Effect Next Month — And If You Break It, It'll Cost You

The clock is ticking on a major deadline that could impact your upcoming travel plans.

©DHS.gov

The United States Department of Homeland Security previously announced that passengers traveling through airports without a Real ID would be charged a fee of $45, and the deadline for that change is quickly approaching.

Travelers who don’t have a Real ID or passport when flying through U.S. airports will be charged a $45 fee beginning on February 1st, 2026. The fee was originally proposed in October, and the initial cost was supposed to be $18; however, it has since increased.

©FLHSMV.gov

The added fee is part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s next phase of the Real ID implementation process, which requires individuals to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system if they don’t have compliant identification before crossing through a security checkpoint.

©AP

TSA deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, Steve Lorincz, said, “The fee was necessary because we needed to modernize the system. We needed to make sure that the system is safe.” The TSA says the fee will cover the administrative and IT costs associated with the program and ensure it’s covered by travelers — not taxpayers who aren’t flying or using the system.

©Department of Homeland Security

If you still don’t have a Real ID and plan to fly after the February 1st deadline, you’ll need to go online at TSA.gov and follow the instructions listed to verify your identity and pay the fees. You’ll then receive an email confirmation to show the TSA officer before you can pass through the checkpoint, which will be valid for ten days.

TSA lines at MCO

Keep in mind, though, the TSA warns that even with the email confirmation, travelers without a Real ID or passport may not be allowed through the checkpoint. “We still need to go through the process to make sure that we verify who you are. And for whatever reason, if we can’t do that, then you can’t go through the process,” Lorincz said.

Alternatively, you can go through the process of obtaining a Real ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

©Disney

We’re travel experts here at DFB, which means we’ll be on the lookout for even more updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel news and more.

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