TSA to impose $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 weeks, 6 days AGO
Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will impose a $45 fee on passengers traveling without a REAL ID-compliant identification card, such as Idaho’s Star Card, according to a Dec. 4 press release from the Idaho Transportation Department.
The fee applies to both international and domestic travel.
Idaho residents are "strongly encouraged" to obtain a Star Card well in advance of their travel plans, the press release said.
Customers must bring all required documents to receive a Star Card. A complete checklist is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard. It recommends that all review it before visiting the DMV.
Passengers presenting a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant, and who do not have another acceptable alternative, such as a passport, should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of being turned away.
The TSA also emphasized that payment of the fee does not guarantee verification.
Visit TSA’s website at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification to find out other acceptable forms of identification.