If you are planning to fly next year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an important update. Starting February 1, 2026, travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use TSA Confirm.ID, a modernized identity verification system at airport security checkpoints.
The $45 fee covers a 10-day travel period. TSA encourages travelers without a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local Department of Motor Vehicles to update their ID as soon as possible.
Acceptable forms of ID
Travelers can use a variety of IDs to avoid the fee, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state photo ID cards
- Temporary licenses are not accepted
- Unsure if your ID is compliant? Check with your DMV
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including those issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card or border crossing card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
- 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
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Passengers who arrive at the airport without an acceptable ID, including a non-REAL ID-compliant license, will be referred to TSA Confirm.ID for identity verification before entering the security line. TSA is working to offer online payment options ahead of arrival, though the process may vary by airport. Travelers who pay at the airport should expect additional delays.
Background on REAL ID
The REAL ID law was signed more than 20 years ago but was not fully implemented until May 7, 2025, under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem. Today, more than 94 percent of passengers already present a REAL ID or other accepted form of identification. TSA expects longer wait times for travelers who do not have acceptable ID.
“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety because it keeps unauthorized individuals off planes and other transportation systems,” said TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl. “Most travelers present valid IDs, but anyone flying without one can pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID. This fee ensures verification costs are covered by the traveler, not taxpayers. We urge everyone to get a REAL ID or other approved ID to avoid delays and missed flights.”
TSA strongly recommends paying the $45 fee online before traveling. For those who arrive without prepayment, instructions will be available at marked locations near security checkpoints. More information on acceptable IDs and REAL ID requirements is available at TSA.gov.
What To Do Now
• Look for the star marking on your driver license to make sure it’s a REAL ID
• If yours is not compliant, apply for a REAL ID or passport ASAP.
• If you have a passport bring it when you fly. If you have an iPhone and live in a state that allows it, add it to your Apple Wallet (here’s more)
• If you don’t have a passport or REAL ID, then add extra time at the airport to get through security
• If you travel without REAL ID and pay the fee make sure your round trip fits inside the ten-day window
