TSA to Introduce $45 Identity Verification Fee for Non-Real ID Travelers

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The TSA announced that beginning February 1, 2026, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of identification will be directed to a new $45 identity verification system called TSA Confirm.ID.

This optional service covers a 10-day travel period and is intended for passengers who arrive at the airport without a Real ID or other approved identification.

The TSA encourages travelers to update their IDs at their local DMV as soon as possible.

Accepted IDs include:

• Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses

• State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses

• U.S. passports and passport cards

• DHS trusted traveler program cards (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI, FAST)

• Department of Defense IDs

• Permanent resident cards

• Foreign government-issued passports

• And more (full list available on TSA’s site)

  
  

Passengers without an acceptable ID will be referred to TSA Confirm.ID before entering security. The process may vary by airport, and TSA is partnering with private providers to enable online payment before arrival.

Although more than 94% of travelers already use accepted IDs, TSA warns that those who rely on Confirm.ID should expect longer wait times. Payment kiosks or staffed locations will be available at most airports for travelers who haven’t paid in advance.