Starting on Sunday, February 1, 2026, TSA will roll out a new $45 fee option for travelers who don’t provide a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
TSA reports that 94% of travelers already use REAL ID or another acceptable ID, but this fee option is now available for the remaining travelers who must provide an alternative way to confirm their identity.
Why is TSA charging a $45 fee?
TSA will begin charging a $45 fee option to travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. The fee covers the cost of TSA ConfirmID, a temporary identity verification system.
While TSA ConfirmID is optional, travelers may not be allowed through security without it and may miss their flight.
What is TSA ConfirmID?
TSA ConfirmID is an identity verification system valid for 10 days.
It relies on biometric tools like facial recognition and fingerprints to confirm a passenger’s identity, and may add about 30 minutes to your security screening time.
How do you pay the fee?
Passengers traveling without REAL ID-compliant identification may pay the fee online ahead of arrival, which could help minimize delays.
The fee can be paid via a valid bank account, debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.
What are all of the acceptable forms of ID?
If you don’t have a REAL ID–compliant license, a passport is also accepted.
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