In February 2026, TSA will begin requiring a $45 fine from travelers who show up at the airport without the correct credentials, including a Real ID or U.S. passport.

With the holiday travel season underway, here's what to know about new REAL ID requirements and when the fee kicks in.

Evan Coleman is an Updates Editor on the Credit Cards and Travel Rewards team at Forbes Advisor, showcasing his interest in personal finance and love of travel. He has written for a variety of local ...

Kelly-Ann Franklin has spent more than two decades in journalism which has helped her build a wide knowledge base of business and personal finance topics. Her goal with editing is to ensure tough ...

Credit cards are one of the most common ways you can build credit and finance large purchases. Plus, many come with additional perks, like the opportunity to earn cash back or miles. However, you ...

REAL ID-compliant IDs are now needed to board federally regulated commercial aircrafts, and if you don't have one, a fee is in your future.

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. FG Trade / Getty Images A credit card balance represents the debt owed to a credit card ...

If you have a balance on your credit card, you might have the option to pay it off in full or carry it from month to month. Most of the time, paying off your credit card in full is the best approach.

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The TSA has announced it will charge airline passengers a $45 fee if they do not have a Real ID, effective early in 2026.

The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that starting in February, U.S. air travelers who don't have a REAL ID will be required to pay a $45 fee.