TSA ConfirmID Live: New $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID Explained

Travelers heading to the airport without a REAL ID now face a new hurdle—and a new cost. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially rolled out TSA ConfirmID, a verification system that allows passengers without compliant identification to fly, provided they pay a $45 airport verification fee. The program, which went into full effect on February 1, 2026, marks the latest phase in the government's strict enforcement of identity standards.

What Is TSA ConfirmID?

TSA ConfirmID is the agency's newly implemented solution for travelers who arrive at security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other acceptable form of identification. Following the full REAL ID enforcement deadline that took effect in May 2025, the TSA has moved to a system where non-compliance comes with a direct financial cost.

Under this new rule, passengers without proper documentation can no longer rely on simple manual identity checks. Instead, they must opt into the TSA ConfirmID process. This involves paying a non-refundable $45 fee which grants a temporary, 10-day travel window. During this period, the traveler's identity is vetted through enhanced security databases to ensure they are safe to fly.

How the $45 Verification Process Works

For those caught without a REAL ID, the process at the airport will look different than in previous years. Here is what you need to know about the logistics:

• Mandatory Payment: The $45 fee must be paid before screening begins. While the TSA is encouraging travelers to pay online via Pay.gov to save time, payment kiosks and instructions are available near checkpoints.
• Strict Verification: Paying the fee does not guarantee entry. It simply triggers a rigorous background check. TSA officers will collect biographic information and run it against federal databases.
• The 10-Day Window: Once approved, the verification is valid for 10 days. This covers most round-trip domestic vacations, meaning you won't necessarily need to pay the fee again for your return flight if it falls within that timeframe.

Expect Significant Checkpoint Delays

Officials have issued stark warnings about airport checkpoint delays for those using this system. Unlike standard screening, the TSA ConfirmID process is manual and time-consuming. Steve Lorincz, TSA's Acting Executive Assistant Administrator for Security Operations, noted that while the system has had "negligible operational impact" on compliant travelers, those needing verification should expect to wait significantly longer.

Who Is Exempt from the Fee?

The vast majority of travelers will not need to use TSA ConfirmID. According to recent data released by the agency on Thursday, compliance rates have hit 95-99%. You are exempt from the $45 airport verification fee if you present any of the following acceptable identification:

• A valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (marked with a star).
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card.
• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• U.S. Department of Defense ID.
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID.

If you have one of these, you can proceed through security as normal without paying the extra charge.

Why Is TSA Charging This Fee Now?

The introduction of the fee represents a shift in philosophy regarding U.S. travel security rules. For years, the TSA absorbed the operational costs of verifying passengers who forgot their IDs. With the launch of ConfirmID, the burden has shifted to the traveler.

The rationale is twofold: security and fairness. Agency officials emphasize that tax dollars should not subsidize the extra labor required to process non-compliant passengers. Furthermore, the fee acts as a strong deterrent, encouraging holdouts to finally visit their DMV and upgrade to a REAL ID. "This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer," a TSA spokesperson stated regarding the launch.

Tips for Travelers Without REAL ID

If you are planning to fly and do not yet have a REAL ID, you have a few options to avoid the stress and cost of the new system:

1. Bring a Passport: even for domestic flights. Your passport is a valid federal ID that supersedes state license requirements.

2. Arrive Early: If you must use TSA ConfirmID, do not arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight. Aim for 3 to 4 hours to account for the secondary screening delays.

3. Pay in Advance: Use the online portal to pay the $45 fee before you even leave your house. Having your receipt ready can shave minutes off the process.

With REAL ID enforcement 2026 now in full swing, the days of lenient ID policies are over. The ConfirmID system provides a safety net for emergencies, but for frequent flyers, it is a costly inconvenience best avoided.