If they arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or other accepted identification, they may have to pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID for identity verification and could face delays. Knowing which IDs work at security and whether the fee applies lets travelers avoid last-minute surprises and extra costs.
This post explains the new fee, who must pay it, and which documents satisfy TSA requirements so travelers can plan ahead. Expect clear, practical steps for checking ID compliance, options if an ID falls short, and where to pay the ConfirmID fee before arriving at the airport.
Keep this article handy before your next trip so they can skip the scramble at the checkpoint and reduce the risk of missing a flight.
New $45 Airport Fee and Identity Verification Rules
TSA now offers a paid identity-verification option for travelers who arrive at checkpoints without an acceptable form of ID. The program charges $45 for a ConfirmID check that can allow boarding when a REAL ID, passport, or other accepted ID isn’t available.
Who Has to Pay the $45 TSA Fee
Passengers who present no acceptable ID at TSA checkpoints may be referred to the TSA ConfirmID process and asked to pay the $45 fee. That includes travelers showing a non-REAL ID-compliant state license, temporary licenses that are explicitly not accepted, or no photo ID at all.
The fee applies per traveler who needs identity verification; selling or sharing a single payment for multiple people is not guaranteed to cover everyone. TSA has stated the amount covers the extra processing costs for verifying identity rather than being a penalty.
How TSA ConfirmID Works
ConfirmID uses electronic verification to match a traveler’s identity to available records and documents. The traveler provides personal information and may upload or show supporting documents; TSA staff or contracted partners run checks against government and commercial databases to confirm identity.
ConfirmID procedures vary by airport. Verification happens before entering the security line; passengers should expect extra processing time and possible secondary screening even after confirmation. Passing ConfirmID does not guarantee boarding if other security or travel restrictions apply.
Ways to Pay and Validity Period
TSA accepts online payment options where offered and will provide on-site payment points at or near many checkpoints for travelers who arrive without prior payment. TSA encourages travelers to pay in advance when possible to speed processing and reduce delay risk.
The $45 ConfirmID fee generally covers a multi-day travel window (TSA described it as valid for a defined period such as 10 days at rollout), allowing multiple flights within that validity period without repaying. Travelers should confirm the exact validity window and payment methods for their departure airport in advance.
Impact on Families and Frequent Travelers
Families traveling together must plan: each person without acceptable ID may need an individual $45 ConfirmID check. Children or dependents who lack acceptable documents could trigger separate verifications, so checking ID requirements and bringing alternate documents can avoid multiple fees.
Frequent flyers who rely on non-REAL ID state licenses should upgrade to REAL ID-compliant IDs or use Trusted Traveler cards or passports to avoid repeated ConfirmID charges. Business travelers facing tight schedules should prepay when available to minimize missed flights from added checkpoint delays.
For specifics on acceptable IDs and program details, refer to TSA’s official announcement about the ConfirmID option (including how the $45 fee is applied) at the TSA press release page: TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID (https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id).
Acceptable Forms of Identification for Air Travel
Passengers must carry an ID that the Transportation Security Administration accepts to avoid delays, extra fees, or denial of boarding. Common valid IDs include REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, Trusted Traveler cards, and a handful of federally recognized alternatives.
REAL ID Requirements and How to Get One
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license meets federal standards set by the Real ID Act for domestic air travel. States issue these after document verification: proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of address (utility bills, lease, etc.). Applicants usually must apply in person at a state DMV and pay the usual license fee plus any issuance fees.
He or she should check the DMV website for required documents and appointment options before going. Processing time varies by state; some issue the REAL ID at the visit, while others mail it. If a traveler plans frequent domestic flights, obtaining a REAL ID avoids the TSA ConfirmID $45 alternative and possible checkpoint delays. For state-specific steps, consult the state’s DMV page.
Alternatives to REAL ID at TSA Checkpoints
If a passenger lacks a REAL ID, TSA accepts several other federal IDs for domestic flights. Valid options include a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. Permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and enhanced tribal cards also qualify.
Other acceptable documents include a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), and Veteran Health Identification Cards when they meet TSA criteria. Some Canadian provincial driver’s licenses and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards may be accepted for certain cross-border travel; travelers should verify acceptance in advance. Without an acceptable ID, passengers may be offered TSA ConfirmID for a fee and extra screening.
Digital and Mobile ID Options
States and private vendors are expanding digital ID acceptance, but TSA’s checkpoint rules remain specific about what counts. A mobile driver’s license or state digital ID is valid only if the issuing state and TSA recognize it at the checkpoint. Apple’s and Google’s digital ID pilots have advanced, but acceptance varies by state and airport.
Private solutions like CLEAR or commercial digital ID services do not replace TSA-required IDs unless the underlying credential is acceptable. CLEAR speeds identity verification by biometrics but does not substitute for a passport or REAL ID unless used in tandem with an acceptable physical or digital credential recognized by TSA. Travelers should confirm digital ID acceptance with TSA and the issuing state before relying on a mobile-only credential.
Tips to Avoid Extra Airport Charges
Carry at least one clearly acceptable form of ID—preferably a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport—to prevent needing TSA ConfirmID or paying its $45 fee. Store backups: a passport card or Trusted Traveler card in a separate pocket reduces risk if one ID is lost.
Check IDs and expiration dates before travel. Arrive earlier if documentation is uncertain; TSA secondary identity checks can add 15–30 minutes or more. If relying on digital IDs or cross-border credentials, verify current TSA and airline policies online to avoid surprises at the checkpoint.
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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.
