Don’t Fly Without a Real ID in 2026, Unless You Want to Pay $45 Extra

If you’re planning to fly in 2026 without a Real ID, you might end up paying extra. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that, beginning Feb. 1, travelers who show up to the airport without a Real ID or a valid passport will face a new identity verification fee of $45. This option replaces an earlier proposed $18 fee and still requires a separate biometric scan to validate a traveler’s identity.

Obtaining a Real ID is straightforward in most states, especially if…