The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that from 1 February 2026, passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification can pay 45 USD to use TSA Confirm.ID, a modernised identity verification system at security checkpoints.
The fee allows travellers to use TSA Confirm.ID for a ten-day travel period. TSA continues to advise passengers without a REAL ID to make an appointment at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update their identification.
Passengers without an acceptable ID, including those holding a non-REAL ID-compliant state licence or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification prior to entering security. The process will vary between airports, and TSA is working with industry partners to enable online payment in advance of travel.
The REAL ID Act was signed more than 20 years ago but faced delays in implementation. The law was enforced as of 7 May 2025. Currently, over 94% of passengers present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.
Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA said:Identity verification is essential to traveller safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail.
The vast majority of travellers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travellers 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 traveller, not the taxpayer. The security of the travelling public is our top priority, so we urge all travellers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.
A full list of acceptable forms of identification is available at TSA.gov.
