WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration will begin referring travelers who do not present an acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints to an optional, fee-based identity verification process starting Feb. 1, 2026, according to a DHS press release issued Monday.
Under the new option, travelers will be able to pay a $45 fee to use TSA Confirm.ID, a “modernized alternative identity verification system,” to establish identity at security checkpoints for a 10-day travel period, DHS said.
The agency said passengers who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, or otherwise do not provide an acceptable ID and still want to fly, will be referred to the Confirm.ID process upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. DHS said the process will differ by airport, and TSA is working with private industry to offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.
DHS urged travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their identification “as soon as possible,” and said TSA expects increased wait times for passengers who do not provide an acceptable ID.
While the REAL ID law was signed more than 20 years ago, and that it is being enforced “as of May 7, 2025,” DHS also said more than 94% of passengers already use a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.
TSA’s list of acceptable identification includes REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs, U.S. passports and passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and several other forms of identification.
