The TSA's $45 ConfirmID fee for travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification takes effect Feb. 1. Passengers who lack compliant ID must complete additional identity verification — which can take up to 30 minutes — and are encouraged to pay online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID before arriving. The agency says the fee covers processing costs and urges travelers to obtain REAL IDs or acceptable alternatives to avoid delays.
TSA Begins Charging $45 ConfirmID Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID — What You Need to Know
A sign promotes the use of Real IDs a the Miami International Airport.Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty
Starting Feb. 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charging a $45 ConfirmID fee for airline passengers who do not present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Travelers who lack compliant ID must complete the TSA's ConfirmID process — which includes additional identity verification steps — before being allowed through screening.
How ConfirmID Works
The ConfirmID process requires extra identity checks, such as answering knowledge-based questions and presenting documentation for inspection. The TSA recommends paying the $45 fee online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID before arriving at the airport. After payment, travelers should show a printed receipt or a screenshot to a TSA officer and follow any instructions provided.
A TSA officers gives a red tag to a passenger who did not present a compliant ID.Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty
Why Pay Ahead And What To Expect
Paying in advance reduces the chance of delays at the checkpoint. The TSA warns that passengers who do not pay ahead may face additional wait time — the process can take up to 30 minutes and could result in missed flights. The agency says the fee covers the government’s costs for processing passengers without acceptable ID so taxpayers do not bear that burden.
“This fee ensures that non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs,” said Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for the TSA.
What Counts As Acceptable ID?
REAL ID-compliant state driver’s licenses and state ID cards meet the federal standards set by the 2005 Real ID Act; these are typically marked with a black or gold star in the upper-right corner. Acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport, DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), and Permanent Resident (green) cards.
A sign promotes the use of a Real ID at the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif.Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Additional Context
The TSA cites a Dec. 1, 2025 press release estimating that more than 94% of airline passengers already present REAL IDs or other acceptable identification. The finalized $45 charge is higher than an earlier $18 fee that had been considered; the fee was published in a Federal Register filing and may apply more than once to some individuals, depending on circumstances.
The TSA emphasizes that verifying each passenger’s identity is a core safety measure: keeping potential threats off aircraft depends on accurate ID screening. Travelers are urged to obtain a REAL ID or other acceptable documents well before travel to avoid delays.
Bottom line: If you don’t have a REAL ID or other accepted ID, visit tsa.gov/ConfirmID to pay the $45 fee and secure confirmation before heading to the airport.
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