A while back, we learned how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to add a new fee for those who show up at security checkpoints without an eligible ID. While details were limited at the time, we now know a lot more, and it’ll be more expensive than we initially thought.
TSA will start charging to verify traveler identity
In May 2025, we saw the TSA finally start to require passengers to have either a REAL ID or passport to travel by air, a mere 17 years behind schedule. Well, sort of. While that requirement was technically put into place, in reality, it’s still possible to travel without either of those documents, but you’re just subjected to extra identity verification.
On November 20, 2025, the TSA issued a notice, which was published in the Federal Register. With this, travelers without required identification documents will have to pay a fee to have their identity verified, before they can pass through a checkpoint.
Specifically, this new program is expected to be implemented as of February 1, 2026, and will be known as the Modernized Alternative Identity Verification Program. With this, adults aged 18 years or older will have to pay a non-refundable $45 fee to have their identity verified. The idea is that this will use biometric and biographic information to confirm someone’s identity.
Interestingly, the initial document suggested the fee would be $18, so this is quite a bit more expensive than expected. The TSA claims that the purpose of the fee is to fully recover the cost of implementing this program. Furthermore, the TSA hopes that the fee will encourage more travelers to get a REAL ID, as currently 94% of US travelers are coming to an airport with an eligible ID.
How the TSA will verify the identity of travelers
So, how will this program work? The TSA is encouraging those without an eligible ID to complete the verification process and pay the fee online, before even arriving at the airport. Once the process is complete, travelers will be given a receipt that they can give to the TSA agents, as part of the screening process. They’ll then be screened like any other passenger.
If a traveler arrives without an eligible ID or a receipt, they’ll be told to leave the security line, and complete the verification process. There will be QR codes near security checkpoints, so that travelers can complete the process on their own devices. Payments will be processed through pay.gov.
The intent is that the process of verifying identity will take 10-15 minutes, and that it will include a passport lookup option, as well as knowledge based verification questions. Those who choose not to use either option won’t be able to pass through security checkpoints.
My take on the TSA’s new identify verification system
I don’t think the requirement to travel with a REAL ID, passport, or other eligible ID is unreasonable. For those who don’t have one (and even those who just leave their ID at home), the current process of verifying identity is manual, and takes quite a bit of effort.
So it seems fair to pass on that cost to travelers, and perhaps it’ll even act as a further incentive for people to finally make sure they get a REAL ID. For that matter, arguably there’s even a benefit here for those without an ID — they can complete their identity verification before even arriving at the airport, potentially speeding up the process.
Now, the $45 fee does seem rather steep, especially compared to the initially planned $18 fee. That’s particularly the case when you consider that this is seemingly just a basic website that verifies identity, so you wouldn’t think it’s that costly to run.
Either way, I think having some sort of more efficient system for verifying identity of travelers who don’t have an eligible ID is a good idea, so I’d view this as being a positive overall.
Bottom line
As of February 2026, the TSA will add a $45 identity verification fee for those who show up at security without a REAL ID or passport. The idea is that identity verification is currently a manual process, but the TSA is introducing a new system for identity verification, which can even be completed before arriving at the airport.
This new system seems like an improvement to me, as it allows travelers to complete verification in a more consistent way, while freeing up TSA agents at the airport. The $45 cost does seem steep, though…
What do you make of this new TSA identity verification fee?