Washington, Dec 02 (V7N) - The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that starting February 1, 2026, passengers who do not possess a valid Real ID or other acceptable identification will be required to pay a $45 fee to obtain a ‘TSA Confirmation ID.’ This ID will be used to verify the traveler’s identity at airport security checkpoints.

The TSA Confirmation ID will be valid for ten days of travel. Passengers without a Real ID are advised to update their identification promptly at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Accepted forms of identification at TSA checkpoints include Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced IDs (EID), U.S. passports and passport cards, green cards, work permits, Trusted Traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, border crossing cards, recognized tribal-issued photo IDs, foreign passports, Canadian provincial driver’s licenses, U.S. mariner credentials, and veteran health identification cards. Temporary driver’s licenses will not be accepted.

Travelers without acceptable identification, including non-Real ID state license holders, will be directed to undergo identity verification at airport security checkpoints. The verification process may vary by airport, and the TSA is coordinating with private partners to allow online payment of the fee for faster processing.

The Real ID Act was passed 20 years ago but was not fully enforced by previous administrations. Under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, the law became fully effective on May 7, 2025. Currently, over 94 percent of travelers already use a Real ID or other accepted identification. The TSA warned that passengers without proper ID may face longer wait times.

Adam Stalh, Acting Deputy Administrator of TSA, emphasized, “Identity verification is essential for travel security, as it protects our aviation, rail, and other domestic transportation systems from terrorists, criminals, and unauthorized individuals. Most travelers show a Real ID or passport, but verification is necessary for everyone. Starting February 1, those without acceptable ID will pay $45 to undergo the verification process. This ensures that the passenger, not taxpayers, bears the cost of verifying insufficient identification. We urge all travelers to obtain a Real ID or other accepted ID to avoid delays or missed flights.”

The TSA encourages travelers to pay the fee online before traveling. Those who do not pay in advance will find designated payment points near the checkpoint at the airport. Travelers participating in the identity verification process at the airport may experience delays.

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