Key Highlights
- TSA to charge travelers $45 for ConfirmID program beginning in February 2026.
- No guarantee of clearance with the ConfirmID process if arriving without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification.
- $45 fee is designed to cover additional screening costs, rather than being paid by taxpayers.
- REAL ID deadline extended to 2025, affecting all U.S. air travelers 18 and older.
TSA Introduces ConfirmID Program Amid REAL ID Deadline Extension
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to roll out a new $45 fee for the ConfirmID program beginning February 1, 2026. This initiative is part of efforts to address the upcoming deadline for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant form of identification before traveling by air.
No Guarantee of Security Clearance
According to Adam Stahl, senior official performing duties as deputy administrator for TSA, passengers without a valid REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification will be required to pay the $45 fee in order to proceed through airport security. The ConfirmID process aims to provide an additional layer of identity verification but does not guarantee clearance.
“TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly,” Stahl explained in a statement. “Impacted travelers will have the option to pay $45 and use the TSA ConfirmID process.”
Additional Screening and Delays Expected
The ConfirmID program is designed to provide an additional layer of identity verification beyond what is currently available at TSA checkpoints. However, passengers using this service should expect extra screening measures that may result in delays and possible security checks.
“To avoid delays or missed flights, all travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport,” Stahl further emphasized.
$45 Fee for Additional Screening Costs
TSA officials clarify that this $45 fee is intended to cover the additional screening costs incurred by passengers who choose to use ConfirmID. The cost is not meant to be borne by taxpayers but rather passed on directly to travelers needing the extra service.
Background
REAL ID Deadline Extension
The REAL ID requirement, which applies to all U.S. air travelers 18 and older, took effect in May 2023. The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant form of identification was initially set for October 2024 but has been pushed back to October 2025.
Acceptable alternatives include U.S. passports, passport cards, state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, certain mobile driver’s licenses, and other TSA-approved documents. The ConfirmID program is part of TSA’s strategy to manage the transition period leading up to this deadline.
Implications for Travelers
This new fee comes at a time when many travelers are already facing increased security measures and potential delays due to heightened security protocols. While it may provide some relief for those who cannot obtain a REAL ID in time, the additional cost could prove burdensome for budget-conscious travelers.
Experts suggest that the best approach is for all air travelers to ensure they have a compliant form of identification well before their travel dates. The TSA has provided detailed information on its website regarding acceptable forms of identification and how to obtain a REAL ID if needed.
Sources
- TSA Press Release, February 1, 2026: “TSA Announces ConfirmID Program for Air Travelers Lacking REAL IDs.”
- Official TSA Website: Information on Acceptable Forms of Identification and the REAL ID Requirement.
For further information or assistance, travelers are encouraged to visit the official TSA website or contact local Department of Motor Vehicles offices that offer REAL ID-compliant identification services. The TSA advises all air travelers to take proactive steps in ensuring they have a valid form of identification by October 2025 to avoid potential travel disruptions.
