New TSA fee begins for travelers without REAL ID

A new TSA policy taking effect February 1 requires travelers without a REAL ID or passport to pay a $45 fee through the agency’s Confirm I.D. program before they can clear airport security. The fee applies to passengers using non‑compliant identification, who must register online before flying, and the temporary clearance lasts ten days. TSA officials say the change is necessary because roughly 150,000 people a day still arrive at checkpoints without acceptable ID, and those who don’t pay the fee could be turned away.