Beginning Sunday, February 1, 2026, TSA will introduce a $45 fee option for travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
While TSA notes that 94% of travelers already use a REAL ID or another approved ID, this new option is available for the remaining passengers to verify their identity before flying.
$45 fee option
TSA will start offering a $45 fee for travelers who don’t show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. This fee covers TSA ConfirmID, a temporary identity verification system.
Although using TSA ConfirmID is technically optional, passengers without it may be denied entry through security and risk missing their flight.
About TSA ConfirmID
TSA ConfirmID is an identity verification system that remains valid for 10 days.
It uses biometric technology, including facial recognition and fingerprints, to confirm a passenger’s identity. It may add roughly 30 minutes to your security screening process.
How to pay for TSA ConfirmID
Travelers without REAL ID–compliant identification can pay the fee online before arriving at the airport, which may help reduce delays.
Payments can be made using a bank account, debit or credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.
Acceptable forms of ID
According to the TSA website, here is the full list of acceptable forms of ID.
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- 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)
🌐 Learn more: TSA ConfirmID