Flying without REAL ID? Here’s who must pay TSA’s $45 ConfirmID fee

Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers travelling on domestic flights in the United States will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or another approved form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Travellers who arrive without acceptable ID will still be allowed to fly, but only after completing a new paid identity verification process.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched an optional system called TSA ConfirmID, which allows passengers without proper identification to verify their identity for a $45 fee. The initiative shifts the cost of additional screening from taxpayers to individual travellers.

How TSA ConfirmID works

The $45 payment covers a 10-day verification window, meaning it can be used for both outbound and return flights if travel occurs within that period. TSA advises passengers to complete the payment process in advance to avoid airport delays.

Travellers can visit the TSA ConfirmID section on the agency’s website, select the “Pay Now” option, and provide details, including their full legal name, intended travel start date, and preferred payment method. Payments can be made via bank account, debit or credit card, Venmo, or PayPal through the Pay.gov system. A confirmation email is issued immediately and must be shown at the security checkpoint — either printed or via screenshot.

Passengers who choose to pay at the airport will find designated payment stations near security checkpoints. However, TSA warns that on-site payment may result in longer wait times, additional screening procedures, and the risk of missing flights. Each traveller aged 18 or older withouta valid ID must complete the process individually.

How to avoid the fee

TSA says travellers can skip the ConfirmID process entirely by presenting any approved form of identification, including:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. passport or passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Department of Defense IDs, including dependent IDs
• Permanent Resident Card
• Enhanced Tribal Cards from federally recognized tribes
• Foreign passports
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Veteran Health Identification Card

The new system is aimed at ensuring smooth airport security operations as REAL ID enforcement takes full effect nationwide in 2026.