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There is less time left before one of the strictest measures at U.S. airports goes into effect: starting February 1, 2026, passengers traveling domestically who do not present valid identification—such as a REAL ID license—will need to pay an additional fee of $45 to board their flights.
The measure, officially announced on December 1 by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is part of the full implementation process of the REAL ID Act and aims to strengthen federal security standards, as well as reduce the number of exceptions that still allow travel without certified documents.
One step closer to the strict implementation of REAL ID
Since May 2025, the REAL ID Act has been in effect, but authorities have maintained a certain level of tolerance to allow more people to obtain the required credentials.
Until now, travelers without a valid identification could pass through the checks with additional verification and a warning.
That will change radically starting February 1st.
Those who do not possess a REAL ID or another accepted document will need to undergo the ConfirmID system, an alternative verification procedure that combines the input of personal data with biometric technology to authenticate the passenger.
This service will have a mandatory cost of 45 dollars per person.
"The flexibility period is coming to an end. Now the process will incur a cost for those who have not updated their documents,” warns the TSA.
Who will be affected by this fee?
The fee will only apply to passengers over 18 years old who do not present a valid identification at the time of passing through security for domestic flights.
Minors will still be exempt from presenting identification and will not have to pay any fees.
The measure directly impacts those who:
-They have not obtained a driver's license with REAL ID certification.
-They do not have a passport or other valid federal documents.
-They cannot verify their identity through other means approved by the TSA.
Documents that do allow for the avoidance of payment
The documents that do allow for avoiding payment include:
-REAL ID driver's license or enhanced state license.
-U.S. passport or passport card.
-Permanent resident card (Green Card) or border crossing card.
-Identification of the Department of Defense (including dependents).
- Credentials of merchant mariners or the Citizenship and Immigration Service.
-Tribal identifications issued by recognized governments.
-Valid Canadian provincial licenses and foreign passports.
Verifiable digital identities, such as those from Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet (already accepted at more than 250 airports).
How does the ConfirmID system work?
The ConfirmID system will allow for identity verification by combining personal information (such as name, address, and Social Security number) with the use of biometric cameras that analyze the passenger's facial features.
The TSA explains that the system validates identity for a period of up to 10 days.
The payment of 45 dollars does not guarantee that the shipment will be authorized.
If the system fails to correctly verify the passenger's identity, access to the flight may be denied.
The fee can be paid online before the trip or directly at the airport, although the latter process may take up to an additional 30 minutes, which could pose a risk for those who do not arrive well in advance.
Why was this fee established?
The TSA had initially proposed a fee of $18, but the amount was raised to $45 due to the operational costs of the ConfirmID system and the need to maintain its technological viability at the country's airports.
With this decision, the federal government aims to expedite the adoption of the REAL ID and reduce the number of passengers who still rely on alternative verifications.
According to figures from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 94% of travelers already have some form of accepted identification, leaving 6% still pending.
"The goal is to strengthen security and streamline controls. But it is also a way to pressure those who have delayed obtaining their documents," acknowledged a DHS spokesperson.
Another barrier for some immigrant groups
Although the measure applies to all adult passengers, its impact may be more profound on certain sectors of the population, particularly among immigrants—including many Cubans—who face administrative or legal challenges in obtaining a REAL ID.
In several states, access to licenses that meet federal standards is contingent upon requirements such as immigration status, proof of residency, or in-person interviews.
For many, obtaining the REAL ID has been a long, uncertain, or outright inaccessible process.
Since early 2025, various community organizations have warned that these regulations could restrict the mobility of individuals in irregular migration situations or those undergoing processes, something that is now materializing with a mandatory fee for each trip without valid identification.
The implementation of the fee marks a more stringent phase in the enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which was conceived after the 9/11 attacks as part of a national strategy to strengthen identity controls in transportation and federal buildings.
"This step is necessary to ensure that all passengers can be identified safely and reliably," the TSA stated in its official announcement.
By limiting exceptions, the government aims to ensure that identity verification no longer relies on subjective procedures or additional delays.
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