Flying Without a REAL ID? TSA’s $45 ConfirmID Option Starts Feb. 1 — What You Need To Know

Jan 20•3 min read

Flying without a REAL ID? $45 alternative available soon

TSA ConfirmID, an optional paid verification program, launches Feb. 1 for travelers without REAL ID-compliant credentials. The process requires biographic and/or biometric information and costs $45; after completion you receive a receipt to present at the checkpoint. ConfirmID is valid for 10 days, but passengers should expect added screening and potential delays that can take up to 30 minutes. Alternatives to REAL ID include passports, Department of Defense IDs, Enhanced Tribal Cards and several other government-issued credentials.

If you plan to fly domestically soon but don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will offer an alternate, paid verification option starting Feb. 1 called TSA ConfirmID.

What Is ConfirmID?

ConfirmID is an optional pre-check identity-verification process intended for travelers who lack a REAL ID. Passengers who complete ConfirmID will submit biographic and/or biometric information so TSA can confirm identity and ensure the traveler is not on the Secure Flight watch list. The agency says the process is optional but recommended for anyone without a REAL ID who plans to fly.

Cost, Receipt And Checkpoint Process

The ConfirmID service carries a $45 fee, which TSA says is intended “to cover verification of an insufficient ID,” per Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator. After finishing the online steps and paying the fee, travelers receive a receipt to present at the security checkpoint.

At the checkpoint, TSA officers will perform additional ID verification and screening measures. Travelers who use ConfirmID should expect potential extra screening and delays; TSA warns the process can take up to 30 minutes at the checkpoint. If you arrive without a compliant ID and without completing ConfirmID ahead of time, you may face longer delays that could result in a missed flight.

How Long ConfirmID Is Valid

ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days. If your return trip falls within that window, you typically will not need to repeat the ConfirmID process for the return flight.

This undated photo provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue shows Kansas’ new driver’s license design meant to comply with federal identification requirements for airport security purposes. (Kansas Department of Revenue via AP)

REAL ID Compliance — How To Check Your License

Since the REAL ID requirement took effect last May, the TSA reported that more than 94% of travelers were already using a compliant form of ID as of December. To see whether your state-issued credential meets the REAL ID standard, look for a star on your driver’s license or ID card. The star may be black or gold and might be filled in or an outline; either format indicates compliance.

Some states also issue enhanced driver’s licenses (which are marked with a flag instead of a star and include a border-crossing chip). Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Vermont offer both REAL ID-compliant cards and enhanced driver’s licenses; Washington issues enhanced licenses only. Note: REAL ID is not valid for international land or sea border crossings.

Other Acceptable Forms Of ID

If you do not have a REAL ID, TSA accepts several alternative documents for domestic air travel, including passports and other government-issued credentials. Commonly accepted IDs include:

U.S. Passport or foreign government-issued passport
Department of Defense ID (including dependent IDs)
Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation (including Enhanced Tribal Cards)
Veteran Health Identification Card
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Border Crossing Card, HSPD-12 PIV cards
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

TSA also notes that at select airports, digital ID passes from Clear, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet may be accepted. Additionally, some expired IDs are accepted if they are up to two years past the expiration date.

Plan Ahead

For most travelers, obtaining a REAL ID or traveling with one of the other accepted documents remains the simplest way to avoid extra fees and screening. If you don’t already have a compliant ID and cannot get one before travel, consider completing TSA ConfirmID before you arrive at the airport to minimize the risk of missing your flight.

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