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May 8, 2025
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it will refer all passengers who don’t present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on Feb. 1, 2026.
Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID for a 10-day travel period.
TSA urges travelers who don’t have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
* REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
A temporary driver’s license isn’t an acceptable form of identification.
* State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
* U.S. passport.
* U.S. passport card (The card isn’t valid for international travel by air.)
* DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
* U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
* Permanent resident card.
* Border crossing card.
* An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
* HSPD-12 PIV card.
* Foreign government-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).
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.
Officials said 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.
The REAL ID law was signed more than 20 years ago, but previous presidential administrations failed to properly implement it.
The law was finally implemented and enforced by Secretary Kristi Noem as of May 7, 2025.
Currently, more than 94 percent of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification. TSA expects increased wait times for passengers who don’t provide an acceptable ID.
Said 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 Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer.”
Stahl added, 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 don’t 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.
Travelers who undergo TSA Confirm.ID processing at an airport should expect delays.
TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
