Don’t Have Acceptable ID For Flying? You Can Pay $45

It’s not that simple, but, if we’re requiring certain documents for verification through security why is a simple verification and $45 OK?

Travelers without REAL ID face $45 fee at airport security starting February 1

Starting Feb. 1, air travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification will have to pay a $45 fee to get through airport security.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the fee will be used to cover costs associated with the operations and technology of its modernized alternative identification verification system, known as Confirm ID.

TSA authorities hiked the fee from the $18 first proposed in November, citing higher expenses than initially forecast.

“This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer,” the announcement read.

Officials recommend travelers pay the fee in advance by uploading documents into a future online portal, otherwise they could be hit with delays at airports.

According to the NCDMV, in November 2025, around 57 percent of people in North Carolina had a Real ID.

People had plenty of time to get a Real ID. Or a passport. There are a bunch of acceptable forms of ID without those. But, if you just have a regular state ID or driver’s license? Pay $45 and complete the Confirm ID process, which can take up to 30 minutes and is good for 10 days. The TSA notes, in an older post

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

I would hope they are going to ask for more than that.

The announcement comes on the heels of a busy travel weekend, with victims of delayed flights and cancellations continuing to pour into Raleigh Durham International Airport Monday morning.

Victims? Really? You got stuck because of weather. It happens. That doesn’t make you a victim. Good grief.

Anyhow, about 94% have acceptable forms of ID to pass security without having to use Clear ID. I guess it is helpful if you lose your ID or it gets stolen when away from home.

Seriously, though, victims? Get over yourselves.