The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a policy change that will affect millions of air travelers who do not possess a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of ID. Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers arriving at airport security checkpoints without valid identification will be required to pay a $45 fee to use TSA’s new “Confirm.ID” alternative identity verification system.
This development follows the full enforcement of REAL ID requirements, which began on May 7, 2025. In May, non-compliant state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards ceased being accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide. The new fee structure represents the latest phase in the government’s two-decade effort to strengthen identification requirements for domestic air travel. TSA officials emphasize that the cost of verifying insufficient ID should fall on travelers, not taxpayers.
What Qualifies As Acceptable ID At Airport Security
TSA maintains a comprehensive list of identification documents that remain acceptable at security checkpoints. According to the agency’s official guidance, acceptable forms include REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state photo identification cards. In addition, U.S. passports or passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and several other government-issued photo identifications are acceptable.
Travelers who are uncertain whether their state-issued ID complies with REAL ID standards are advised to check directly with their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Notably, temporary driver’s licenses do not qualify as acceptable identification for airport security purposes.
How The New TSA Confirm.ID Process Works
For travelers without compliant identification, TSA’s Confirm.ID service provides an alternative identity verification pathway at an additional cost. The $45 non-refundable fee covers a 10-day travel period, allowing for round-trip or multiple flights within that timeframe.
Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA, explained that “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.”
Pre-Paying The Confirm.ID Fee On Pay.gov
To minimize delays, TSA strongly recommends that travelers without acceptable ID pre-pay the Confirm.ID fee online before arriving at the airport. While specific details about the payment process continue to emerge, the agency has indicated that passengers will soon be able to complete this transaction through Pay.gov. For those who arrive at the airport without having paid the fee in advance, information about how to pay will be available at marked locations near security checkpoints at most airports.
Expected Delays And Checkpoint Impact
Travelers who must undergo the Confirm.ID process should anticipate additional screening time. According to Money.com, passengers using Confirm.ID can expect the identity verification process to take 10 to 15 minutes on average. However, the TSA acknowledges that, in some cases, the process can take up to 30 minutes. This extra verification step will likely contribute to longer wait times, particularly at busier airports during peak travel periods. TSA officials have acknowledged that implementing this new procedure may initially disrupt normal checkpoint operations.
REAL ID Implementation Timeline
The REAL ID Act was signed into law more than 20 years ago, but faced numerous implementation delays. Full enforcement finally began on May 7, 2025, under Secretary Kristi Noem. Currently, TSA reports that more than 94% of passengers already use REAL ID-compliant identification or other acceptable forms when traveling. The agency continues to urge the remaining travelers to obtain compliant identification through their state DMV offices to avoid potential travel disruptions and additional fees.
Traveling Without Any ID
Passengers who arrive without acceptable identification and decline to use the Confirm.ID service faces significant obstacles. TSA guidelines indicate that travelers who choose not to provide adequate identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or whose identity cannot be confirmed will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint, effectively preventing them from boarding their flights. For the most up-to-date information on identification requirements and the Confirm.ID program, travelers should visit the official TSA website at TSA.gov/real-id or TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
