Travelers flying without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport will now have an option to pay a fee to be able to get via airport security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced Monday, Dec. 1, that air travelers who don’t current an acceptable type of ID and nonetheless wish to fly can decide to pay a $45 fee to make use of a modernized various identification verification system — which is called Confirm ID — to be able to set up their identification at security factors beginning on Feb. 1, 2026.
The TSA is urging all passengers flying without a REAL ID to pay the fee online to be able to travel. Passengers without a REAL ID can fill out a type online forward of their flight via pay.gov or pay the fee on the airport via a separate line.
The TSA says that after travelers are authorized and pay the fee, the identification verification shall be legitimate for a 10-day travel period.
After the ten-day period is up, travelers without a REAL ID or passport should pay the $45 fee again to get via airport security.
The TSA is urging travelers without a REAL ID to schedule an appointment on the native DMV to replace their ID to fulfill the appropriate identification kinds for airport security.
While over 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or different acceptable kinds of identification, the TSA expects wait occasions at airport security to increase for passengers who do not present an acceptable ID.
This information comes a week after the TSA floated the concept of charging passengers without a REAL ID $18 to travel. Officials reported that further evaluation of the price for the Confirm ID system can be higher than initially projected, which can clarify the present $45 plan.
The fee will cowl operational, technological, and administrative prices related to this identification verification system, per the Federal Register.
How will travelers without a REAL ID get via airport security?
Upon TSA test-in and earlier than getting into the airport security line, passengers touring without a REAL ID, together with these with a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, shall be directed to the optionally available TSA Confirm.ID to confirm their identification.
The TSA says that this course of of identification verification will range from airport to airport, however states that the “TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.”
Those who will need to endure the TSA Confirm.ID ought to anticipate delays for processing on the airport.
“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,” stated Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl within the press release.
He added, “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 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.”
What are acceptable kinds of ID for air travel?
The TSA outlines that the next are acceptable kinds of ID:
- 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 photograph 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)
