Beginning February 1, 2026, air travelers who do not present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable form of identification will be required to pay a fee to use the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) alternative identity verification system, Confirm ID. Passengers can complete the verification and pay the fee online before arriving at the airport or in person through a separate TSA line. Once approved, the verification is valid for 10 days, after which travelers must pay again if they continue to fly without proper ID.
The fee, initially proposed at $18, has been increased to cover the full operational, technological, and administrative costs of the Confirm ID program. The verification process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes but can extend to 30 minutes or more depending on airport conditions. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, began enforcement in 2025 and requires travelers to carry compliant identification for domestic flights.
**Why this matters**
This change affects travelers who have not yet obtained a Real ID or do not carry other TSA-approved identification, such as a passport. The fee and verification process aim to maintain security standards while providing an alternative for those without compliant ID. Understanding acceptable forms of identification and the new fee requirement is essential to avoid delays and additional costs when traveling by air.