As reported at the AP, starting in February 2026 Air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 to board a plane. So much for the mandatory need for the ID. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been repeatedly delayed and delayed and delayed.
Air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.
The updated ID has been required since May, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning.
The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to encourage travelers to obtain the ID.
REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.