Why This Article Was Flagged for Fact-Checking
This article raised concerns among readers after social media influencers and commentators began alleging political motives and financial misconduct behind the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy requiring a $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID. With claims circulating online about intentional profit-taking and refund denials, users questioned both the accuracy of these statements and the reputability of influencer Aaron Parnas, who shared related content on TikTok. Our team investigated the article and the claims being amplified online to provide clarity and ensure readers have accurate, unbiased information.
Historical Context
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 as a response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Its goal was to establish federal standards for issuing state identification cards and driver’s licenses to improve the security of official IDs. Implementation of REAL ID requirements was delayed multiple times over the past two decades due to state-level challenges and public confusion, but enforcement began in earnest in 2025, affecting all domestic air travelers. This significant shift in travel requirements has resulted in ongoing public concern, with misinformation and rumors circulating, especially as deadlines and policies change.
Fact-Check: Key Claims Reviewed
Claim #1: TSA will charge a $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting in February 2026
The article states: “Air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.” This is accurate. According to both the Associated Press and Reuters, the TSA will implement this non-refundable $45 fee beginning February 1, 2026, for individuals who need to verify their identity through the alternative “Confirm.ID” system. This provides air travelers with an option if they lack a REAL ID or other approved forms of identification such as a passport or military ID. (AP News, Reuters)
Claim #2: The fee and REAL ID program are designed to profit the Trump Administration and refunds are withheld if identities are not verified
There is no supporting evidence for this claim. Online influencers like Aaron Parnas have claimed the fee is a political move to increase government revenue and that travelers “don’t get their money back” if their identities cannot be verified. The research shows that the $45 fee is a non-refundable administrative charge established by the TSA, strictly to cover costs associated with processing alternative identity verifications. There is no reputable reporting that this fee is a product of the Trump Administration or that it is specifically designed to profit any administration. The TSA operates under the Department of Homeland Security, and policy changes related to REAL ID enforcement and fees have been in development for years, spanning multiple presidential administrations. The assertion that refunds are wrongfully withheld when identities can’t be verified is based on the published policy that the fee is non-refundable, and is not evidence of misconduct or political targeting. (Reuters)
Claim #3: The TSA initially proposed an $18 fee and raised it to $45 due to unexpectedly high costs
The article notes: “The TSA initially proposed an $18 charge for passengers without a REAL ID, but officials said Monday they raised it after realizing the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated.” This statement is confirmed by recent reports; the $45 fee reflects a revised cost estimate required to run the alternative identity confirmation process, not a sudden or arbitrary increase for profit motives. The shift from the initial $18 to $45 was due to operational costs rather than policy changes from any specific administration. (Reuters)
Claim #4: Aaron Parnas as a credible news source
Aaron Parnas is recognized as a journalist and influencer, commanding a large following on platforms like TikTok and Substack. While Parnas is known for delivering news in a format accessible to younger audiences, his credibility has been questioned by some in the media industry due to concerns regarding transparent sourcing and frequent repackaging of mainstream content without always providing clear attribution. This does not mean all information from Parnas is inaccurate, but it does suggest that statements from his platforms should be independently verified with credible mainstream reporting, especially for claims involving policy intent or government motivation. (Wikipedia profile, Public Enlightenment)
Conclusion
The article’s reporting on the new TSA $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID is supported by multiple reputable sources and reflects current federal policy. Claims circulating online suggesting the fee is politically motivated or a deliberate attempt to profit, specifically by the Trump Administration, have no factual basis and are not reflected in any official documentation or reliable reporting. Users should be cautious about accepting such assertions from social media influencers, regardless of their following or status. In this instance, the article itself maintains a neutral tone and conveys the facts as obtained from official sources.
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Link to Original Article
You can read the original article by visiting: https://www.wishtv.com/news/politics/tsa-to-charge-45-fee-for-passengers-without-real-id-starting-in-february/
