Travel plans just got a little more exacting. Starting Feb. 1, 2026, a $45 fee applies if a traveler shows up without an acceptable ID and chooses TSA’s ConfirmID verification to fly, so missing one simple step at home can cost extra at the airport.
If someone wants to avoid surprise charges and delays, getting a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification before heading to the terminal saves time and money. Presenting an acceptable ID or arranging ConfirmID in advance prevents the $45 fee and reduces the chance of missing a flight.
Understanding the New $45 TSA Fee and ConfirmID
The TSA now offers a paid identity-verification option at checkpoints for passengers who lack an accepted ID. Travelers should expect a $45 charge, specific verification steps, and limited refund circumstances.
How the $45 Fee Works and Who Has to Pay
The $45 charge funds TSA ConfirmID, the Transportation Security Administration’s modernized alternative identification process. It applies to adult travelers (generally those 18 and older) who arrive at security without an acceptable form of ID such as a REAL ID, passport, or other items on TSA’s accepted list.
Airlines and airports will refer passengers who lack acceptable ID to the TSA ConfirmID workflow before they enter the security line. TSA intends the fee to cover verification costs so taxpayers do not absorb them. The program rolls out at most large and medium hubs; TSA has said implementation will reach around 250 airports, though availability can vary by location.
What Happens If You Show Up Without the Right ID
At check-in or the checkpoint, staff will determine if the presented ID meets the acceptable list. If it does not, the traveler will be offered TSA ConfirmID and informed of the $45 fee.
TSA ConfirmID uses document checks, interview questions, and potentially biometric validation to establish identity. Expect longer processing time; delays can jeopardize boarding if a flight departs before verification completes. If the passenger declines the fee or fails verification, they may be denied boarding for that flight.
Paying for TSA ConfirmID — Step-by-Step
TSA encourages travelers to pay online before arrival when ConfirmID is available that way. Payment options vary by airport; some sites will offer prepay links and others will accept payment at marked locations near checkpoints.
Typical steps:
- Confirm eligibility and availability at the departing airport.
- Pay the $45 ConfirmID fee online or at the airport kiosk/counter.
- Present any supplemental documents requested during verification.
- Complete the identity-verification process to receive clearance to the screening line.
Travelers should check TSA’s ConfirmID information page at tsa.gov/confirmid for airport-specific instructions and accepted payment methods.
What the Fee Covers and Refund Policy
The $45 ConfirmID fee covers operational costs of alternative identity verification: staff time, identity checks, any technology used for validation, and administrative processing. It is charged per traveler for a limited travel window (TSA has used a 10-day travel period in prior rollout details).
TSA has characterized the fee as non-refundable in most cases; refunds depend on specific circumstances like duplicate charges or system errors. Travelers should retain payment receipts and ask checkpoint personnel about refund procedures if verification is not completed or if they miss their flight due to ConfirmID processing.
Accepted IDs, Alternatives, and Avoiding Extra Charges
TSA accepts many government-issued photo IDs for boarding, and travelers who lack one can pay the $45 ConfirmID fee or present alternative credentials that meet TSA standards. Carrying a REAL ID-compliant card or another listed document avoids extra verification steps and potential delays.
REAL ID, Enhanced IDs, and Digital ID Options
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards meet federal boarding requirements. If a traveler’s license displays the REAL ID star, it should be accepted at checkpoints; temporary licenses usually do not qualify. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced IDs (EIDs) also work and add border-crossing utility for U.S. citizens.
U.S. passports and passport cards are fully accepted. Some states and private vendors now offer verified digital ID apps that TSA pilots recognize at certain airports; however, digital acceptance varies by location. Travelers should confirm airport participation before relying on a digital credential.
Other TSA-Approved Identification Documents
TSA maintains a long list of acceptable IDs beyond REAL ID and passports. Examples include U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including military IDs and dependent IDs), Permanent Resident Cards, and DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
Other acceptable documents: Border Crossing Cards, HSPD‑12 PIV cards, Merchant Mariner Credentials, Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC), Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC), Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), and Canadian provincial driver’s licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards.
If a traveler presents any of these, TSA should proceed without charging the ConfirmID fee. If identity can’t be verified from the documents shown, TSA may still refer the traveler to the ConfirmID process.
How to Get a REAL ID or Acceptable Alternative
To obtain a REAL ID, the traveler should visit their state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to book an appointment and review required documents: proof of identity (usually a birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Bring original or certified copies; photocopies are often not accepted.
For alternatives, apply for or renew a U.S. passport at a post office or passport agency, or enroll in a DHS trusted traveler program like Global Entry online and complete the in-person enrollment. Veterans can request a VHIC through VA channels, and mariners or workers can apply for TWIC or Merchant Mariner credentials through the issuing agencies. Confirm processing times and bring required paperwork to avoid surprises at the checkpoint.
More from Cultivated Comfort:
- 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
- 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
- 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
