Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced that air travelers who don’t current an acceptable kind of identification and nonetheless want to fly can decide to pay a $45 charge to use a modernized different id verification system, generally known as ConfirmID, to set up their id at security checkpoints.
However, TSA nonetheless urges travelers who wouldn’t have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their native DMV to replace their ID as quickly as doable. In the meantime, passengers flying without a REAL ID can pay the charge online so as to travel.
The TSA acknowledged that when travelers are accepted and pay the charge, the id verification will probably be legitimate for a 10-day travel period. After the ten-day period is up, travelers without a REAL ID or passport will probably be required to pay the $45 charge again to cross by way of airport security.
What is the precise date travelers without a REAL ID must pay $45 to fly?
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID will probably be required to pay a $45 charge to get by way of airport security.
While over 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or different acceptable types of identification, the TSA anticipates elevated wait instances at airport security for passengers who do not present an acceptable ID.
“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail,” mentioned Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl.
“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. 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 ConfirmID 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.”
What types of identification are acceptable at U.S. airports?
Acceptable types of ID embrace:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler playing cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, together with IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable picture ID issued by a federally acknowledged Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, together with Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign authorities-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
How will passengers without an acceptable kind of identification proceed at airports?
All travelers without an acceptable ID, together with those that current a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will probably be referred to the non-compulsory TSA ConfirmID course of for id verification upon TSA examine-in and earlier than becoming a member of the security line.
The TSA says that this course of of id verification will differ from airport to airport, however provides that the company is
“working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.”
Those who need to bear the TSA ConfirmID course of ought to count on delays in processing on the airport.
