TSA Announces New $45 Fee for Non-REAL ID Travelers
The Transportation Security Administration announced on December 1, 2025, a new $45 fee for air travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification, effective February 1, 2026. This nonrefundable charge will grant travelers a 10-day checkpoint access period using biometric verification technology called TSA Confirm.ID.
The fee announcement comes seven months after REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Currently, approximately 94% of travelers possess compliant IDs, meaning roughly 6% of air passengers could face the new charge.
Key Changes to ID Card Requirements in Late 2025
Multiple major identification requirement updates have taken effect across the United States and Europe in recent weeks:
- TSA REAL ID Fee ($45): New financial penalty for non-compliant IDs begins February 1, 2026, replacing previous warning-only enforcement
- UK Biometric ID Deadline (Dec 31, 2025): EU citizens with UK settled status must have ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards after December 31, 2025
- Digital ID Expansion: Apple launched passport-based Digital ID on November 12, 2025, with 14 states now supporting mobile licenses
- EU Entry/Exit System: Biometric data collection operational at half of EU border points as of December 2025, with full implementation by April 2026
The TSA fee represents a significant increase from the $18 amount initially proposed less than two weeks before the final announcement. Additionally, travelers without compliant IDs should expect verification delays of 10 to 30 minutes at security checkpoints.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Requirements
The new identification requirements impact three primary groups of travelers. Understanding which category applies to you is essential for avoiding fees and delays.
For U.S. Domestic Air Travelers
If you're 18 or older flying within the United States, you must present either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a star symbol) or acceptable alternative identification. Without compliant ID, you'll pay the $45 TSA Confirm.ID fee starting February 1, 2026, and face extended security screening times.
For EU Citizens with UK Settled Status
If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), your non-biometric national ID card remains valid only until December 31, 2025. After this date, you must present ICAO-compliant biometric ID cards for UK entry, or use a valid passport instead.
For Non-EU Travelers Visiting Europe
If you're a non-EU national traveling to Schengen countries, the Entry/Exit System (EES) now requires biometric data collection including fingerprints and facial photos upon first entry. This system is operational at 50% of border points as of December 2025, with mandatory implementation at all external Schengen crossings by April 10, 2026.
How to Get a REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License - Step by Step
Follow these steps to obtain your REAL ID-compliant identification before the February 2026 fee takes effect:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements)
- Visit Your State DMV Website: Check your specific state's REAL ID requirements and schedule an appointment if available to reduce wait times
- Complete Application Forms: Fill out your state's driver's license or ID card application, indicating you want REAL ID compliance
- Visit DMV in Person: REAL ID requires in-person verification—bring all original documents as photocopies are typically not accepted
- Pay Application Fee: REAL ID fees vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $50 depending on license duration
- Verify Star Symbol: When you receive your new ID card, confirm it displays the star symbol in the upper corner indicating REAL ID compliance
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Card Changes
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure compliance with new identification requirements:
- December 31, 2025: Final day EU citizens can use non-biometric national ID cards for UK entry with settled status
- February 1, 2026: TSA begins charging $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives
- April 10, 2026: Mandatory full implementation of EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric collection at all external Schengen border crossings
- May 5, 2027: Final deadline for all federal agencies to achieve complete REAL ID card-based enforcement with no exceptions
Digital ID Alternatives Now Available
Several states now offer digital identification options that work at TSA checkpoints. As of November 2025, 14 states and Puerto Rico support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia.
Additionally, Apple launched passport-based Digital ID on November 12, 2025, allowing U.S. passport holders nationwide to create digital identification in Apple Wallet. Arkansas and Virginia have formally committed to supporting digital IDs but haven't launched yet. However, digital IDs currently work only for domestic travel—international travelers must still carry physical documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Card Requirements
What Identification Can I Use Instead of REAL ID to Avoid the $45 Fee?
You can avoid the TSA fee by presenting acceptable alternatives including a U.S. passport or passport card, Enhanced Driver's License (available in select border states), military ID with photo, DHS trusted traveler cards like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, or federally recognized tribal identification. All alternatives must include your photo and remain valid (not expired).
Can I Pay the $45 TSA Fee in Advance or Must I Pay at the Airport?
The $45 TSA Confirm.ID fee can be paid either in advance online through the TSA system or in person at the airport security checkpoint. However, the fee is nonrefundable and covers only a 10-day verification period, meaning you'll need to pay again if traveling after your 10-day window expires.
Do Children Need REAL ID-Compliant Identification for Domestic Flights?
Children under 18 are exempt from REAL ID requirements for domestic air travel. TSA does not require children under 18 to present identification when traveling with a companion within the United States, though airlines may have their own policies requiring proof of age.
What Happens If My ID Doesn't Meet REAL ID Standards and I Don't Pay the Fee?
Without REAL ID-compliant identification and without paying the $45 fee, you will not be permitted through TSA security checkpoints starting February 1, 2026. This means you cannot board your domestic flight. TSA may attempt identity verification through additional screening, but this is not guaranteed and can result in being denied boarding.
What You Need to Know About ID Card Requirements
The landscape of identification requirements has fundamentally shifted in late 2025 with enforcement mechanisms now including financial penalties. The $45 TSA fee starting February 2026 represents a significant departure from warning-only enforcement, making REAL ID compliance no longer optional for budget-conscious travelers.
Additionally, international travelers must navigate new biometric requirements including the EU Entry/Exit System and stricter UK border policies. If you haven't already upgraded to REAL ID-compliant identification, visit your state DMV before February 2026 to ensure your passport photo and documents meet current standards. For frequent travelers, consider digital ID options now available in 14 states, or ensure your passport remains current as a reliable alternative to state-issued identification.
--- **Sources:** - [TSA will charge $45 fee for air passengers without REAL IDs - NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/tsa-will-charge-45-fee-air-passengers-real-ids-rcna246852) - [TSA announces $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID - WCVB](https://www.wcvb.com/article/tsa-fee-no-real-id/69596386) - [Travelers Without Real IDs Will Be Charged a Fee at TSA - TODAY](https://www.today.com/life/travel/real-id-fee-tsa-rcna246941) - [TSA to charge $45 fee for airline passengers who lack Real ID - Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/1/tsa-charge-45-fee-airline-passengers-lack-real-id/) - [TSA to start charging travelers $45 if they don't have a Real ID - CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-charging-45-without-real-id-february-passport/) - [What to know about the new TSA Real ID fee and when it starts - Axios](https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/real-id-license-fee-tsa-flying-travel) - [Apple introduces Digital ID in Apple Wallet - Apple Newsroom](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions - TSA](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs) - [Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen)