Starting Feb. 1, 2026, those who don’t show a REAL ID compliant drivers license, passport or other form of identification at a TSA security checkpoint will have to pay a $45 fee, according to a press release from the TSA. The $45 fee will go toward processing and verifying travelers’ identification through the ConfirmID program.

In a new win for Transportation Security Administration employees, a federal judge has blocked the Trump Administration’s second attempt at ending a collective bargaining agreement with a union representing nearly 50,000 TSA workers this week.

An important reminder for air travelers. The TSA says it is alerting travelers to a new $45 fee, set to take effect February 1,2026. The fee will affect those without REAL IDs or other accepted forms of identification.

The Homeland Security Department’s planned ouster of the American Federation of Government Employees from the Transportation Security Administration, scheduled to take effect Sunday, must now be halted.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration plans to introduce a Real ID verification service in February for those without one. See details.

We all have "feelings" about TSA, but know they keeping us safe while traveling. However, the 20 banned items in this article are borderline crazy!

After February 1st, according to the TSA, the only acceptable forms of ID —and those who will be able to skip the $45 fee—include: REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)