Traveling will become more complicated for those who do not present proper identification at certain airports, and the change will begin to be felt from the beginning of 2026.
The warning is already circulating among Cuban travelers and also those of other nationalities who do not have the document required by the airport authorities.
The amount to be paid has been set at $45 for the time being, although passengers could still face other setbacks.
The fee will be mandatory and will apply even to those who already have confirmed reservations.
Authorities confirmed that those who do not show the correct credentials will have to pay this fixed fee in order to continue with the boarding process.
This information came to light following a recent announcement that, starting February 1, 2026, passengers traveling within the United States without a REAL ID or other accepted identification will be required to pay $45 to board. This was reported by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID is a state license or card that meets federal security standards. It is recognized by a white star inside a yellow circle and is required for all adults over 18 who fly domestic routes or enter federal buildings.
Until now, those without this document could pass through security checkpoints with additional verification. That exception will end when the new fee takes effect, which will apply when the traveler also fails to present a passport, residence permit, or military ID.
How the new payment system works
The payment will be processed through Confirm.ID, an alternative verification tool that validates identity for up to 10 days. The TSA clarified that the $45 payment does not guarantee verification, and if identity cannot be confirmed, the person could be denied boarding.
The process can be completed online before the trip or directly at the airport. The latter option could add up to 30 minutes to the process, according to federal authorities.
Why this change is coming
The Department of Homeland Security noted that 94 percent of travelers already meet the requirements. The fee is intended to incentivize those who have not yet obtained a REAL ID. Initially, the proposed fee was $18, but the amount increased due to system costs.
It was also noted that the TSA accepts digital IDs in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet at more than 250 airports nationwide, as long as it is a license that complies with federal standards.
A requirement that affects many immigrants
The rule has generated doubts among Cubans and other immigrants who do not yet have a defined immigration status or face obstacles in obtaining compatible licenses in their states of residence. Since the beginning of the year, authorities warned that tolerance would be increasingly reduced, which is now confirmed with the implementation of this mandatory fee.
In recent months, community organizations have warned that strict implementation of REAL ID may add difficulties to the daily mobility of those who depend on domestic flights, especially in states with greater restrictions on issuing licenses.