TSA to charge $45 for those without Real ID
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon reminds residents that those who are still using a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight will soon be faced with a new $45 fee from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) beginning February 1, 2026. Those who have a New York State REAL ID license, Enhanced license, passport, or other DHS Trusted Traveler cards, such as Nexus, are not impacted.
“As many people know, REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights took full effect earlier this year after years of postponement,” said Hanlon. “If you failed to get a REAL ID-compliant document, TSA will now charge you a fee to board a flight to cover the cost of an alternative ID verification process.”
Hanlon said the fee is for the TSA Confirm.ID process that uses advanced biometrics and biographic data for identification verification. Users will be directed to an online portal to provide personal details and documents. The approval is then good for 10 days.
“I highly suggest people who plan on flying and have yet to get their REAL ID do so and avoid the new process and fee,” said Hanlon.
New York State offers both a REAL ID license and an Enhanced Driver’s license to meet the federal requirements. The difference is that the Enhanced can be used for travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. Residents can visit www.dmv.ny.gov to learn about the different options and the documentation they must bring to the DMV to obtain one. The Orleans County Clerk’s Office is also a passport acceptance agency.
Residents can visit https://www.orleanscountyny.gov/government/county_clerk/passports.php to learn more.
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