TSA says 6% of US air travelers not in compliance with ID rules as new $45 fee starts Feb. 1

WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday about 6% of U.S. air travelers are not displaying IDs meeting stricter federal standards as the agency will begin charging air travelers $45 on February 1 to access flights without enhanced identification.

In May 2025, the TSA began enforcing the standards known as "REAL ID" but gave warnings and conducted enhanced screening for passengers without the new IDs. TSA announced the new fee in December, urging passengers without REAL IDs to obtain them or pay the fee before arriving at the airport. The $45 fee will cover travel for a 10-day period.