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Flying Without This Item Will Cost You Nearly $50 in 2026—Here’s What You Need to Know

Air travel is stressful enough. Between long lines, gate changes and figuring out which bag actually counts as a carry-on, it sometimes feels like navigating your way through the airport is an extreme sport. And if you’re someone like me—an avid traveler who’s constantly hopping between cities both in and out of the U.S.—keeping up with all the new rules and regulations can feel like a full-time job. One minute you’re scrambling to apply for an ETA for an international trip, and the next you’re double-checking your passport and visa dates, wondering if you’ve accidentally missed some tiny but crucial requirement.

Just when you think you’ve got it all under control, TSA drops a new rule that could hit your wallet. Starting soon, travelers who don’t have a certain important travel document may be charged a $45 fee at the airport. And the kicker? If you’re traveling anytime soon, there’s only a short window to get it before your next flight. That little last-minute issue could turn an already stressful travel day into a full-blown headache.

So what is this document, and how can you make sure you don’t end up paying extra at the airport? Keep reading for the full scoop.

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Which item do you need to bring to the airport to avoid this fee?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is instituting a $45 fee for people traveling on domestic flights without a Real ID—yep, the one with the little star in the corner. That star signals that your ID has gone through extra verification steps at the state level, making it harder to fake and easier for TSA to trust. It’s basically the upgraded, security-checked version of your regular license.

And that’s exactly why the fee exists. When travelers show up without a Real ID, TSA has to step in and do that identity verification themselves, which takes extra time, extra staff and extra resources. The $45 covers that added work.

Is a Real ID the only form of identification the TSA will accept now?

Luckily, no! If you don’t have a Real ID for your domestic flight, don’t fret—a Real ID isn’t the only way to avoid TSA’s $45 fee. Visit the TSA website for the complete list of approved IDs, and see below for some of the commonly accepted options:

  • U.S. passport (book or card)
  • Enhanced driver’s license or enhanced ID
  • Trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI or FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID
  • Permanent residence card (green card)
  • Federally recognized tribal-nation photo ID
  • Other DHS-approved IDs used for security identity verification

Here’s what won’t work:

  • A state-issued driver’s license (that isn’t a Real ID) or an ID card without a star
  • Temporary or paper IDs

Bring one of the approved IDs above, and you’re good—no fee, no extra hassle and no stress at the security checkpoint.

Aside from the fee, what else will happen if you don’t have a Real ID–compliant form of identification?

If you show up at the airport without a Real ID or another approved ID, TSA agents will take a little extra time to verify your identity. They’ll need to verify who you are through a process called TSA Confirm.ID, which means sharing personal information, answering security questions and having your identity double-checked in multiple systems. It’s thorough, but slower, which usually means longer lines and extra screening (aka more detailed bag checks or a pat-down).

When is this new rule going into effect?

The new rule kicks in on Feb. 1, 2026. So if you want to skip the extra lines, extra screening and that $45 hit to your wallet, now’s the perfect time to make sure your ID is up to date.

How can you get a Real ID?

If you want a Real ID, it’s not hard to get one. You just have to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), bring a few documents (proof of identity, proof of address and sometimes proof of Social Security, depending on your state) and choose the Real ID option when you apply. In some states, you can even start the process online by filling out paperwork or prescreening your documents before heading to the DMV.

Once you’ve done the DMV legal work, most states will mail you a Real ID in about one to four weeks. If all their paperwork is perfect and the DMV isn’t swamped, some lucky folks get theirs in as little as 10 to 15 days.

Unlike passports, there isn’t a nationwide “rush” option for Real IDs. How fast you get it mostly depends on your state’s DMV. So if your next flight is just around the corner, it might be smarter to use your passport or another accepted ID, or at least check if your local DMV offers any fast-track options so you don’t get stuck in line playing identity-verification roulette.

Bottom line: If you start the process early and double-check your documents, you’ll be flying through TSA with a Real ID—and a lot less stress—in no time.

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Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • TSA: “TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1”

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