Still Don't Have REAL ID? TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option
Starting February 1, passengers will be referred to the fee-based TSA “Confirm.ID” payment option if they do not present a valid, acceptable ID at checkpoints.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use what they refer to as a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026.
Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV or Secretary of State to update their ID as soon as possible.
All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.
Currently, more than 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification. TSA expects increased wait times for passengers who do not provide an acceptable ID.
“The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl. “Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”
TSA urges all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the fee online before traveling. For passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for the TSA Confirm.ID option will be available at marked locations at or near the checkpoint in most airports. The agency reminds travelers who undergo TSA Confirm.ID processing at an airport to expect delays.
More information on REAL ID can be found by visiting TSA.gov/real-id, texting 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or @AskTSA with questions.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
