NH Travelers Could Get Charged a Bigger Fee From TSA Starting February 1, 2026

If you don't have a REAL ID and you plan on travelling on February 1, 2026 or after, you might have to pay a fee. Last week, the TSA announced a fee of $18 for the same reason, but now they have bumped it up.

READ THIS:  NH Offers Corrections Officer Positions Available Including $10K Bonus

According to ABC News, the TSA has announced travelers from New Hampshire and all over the country, may have to pay an extra $45. if you don't have a REAL ID because they "needed to modernize the system - we needed to make sure that the system was safe."

New Hampshire Travelers Can Pay TSA Fee Online Before Check-In

If you go to TSA.gov, you can pay the fee online before you even get to the airport.  You will then get an email to present to the TSA agent.  If you don't have the email, the TSA may pull you aside to go through a verification process.  Even then, you may not get on the flight.

Steve Lorincz, Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator for TSA Security Operations said to ABC News,

It's really all about making sure that we have the safest system and making sure that we know who's processing through our airports and getting onboard our flights.

The $45 fee will cover TSA checkpoint access for 10 days and can be used more than once, twice or "multiple times" within the 10 day period.

Getting a Real ID in New Hampshire is Voluntary

According to the dmv.nh.gov, you don't have to get a REAL ID, however, you will not be able to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse without another form of I.D. like a passport.

It is pretty easy to get a REAL ID.  Show up at your local NH DMV with the appropriate documentation and you'll be good to go.  Similar to getting your driver's license, but a little more in depth.  Get all the details on how to get one here.