If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or passport starting Feb. 1, you may still be able to fly — but it will now cost you $45 and extra time.
The Transportation Security Administration is launching a new program called Confirm ID, a fee-based identity verification option for travelers who show up at airport security without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.
The change represents a tightening of rules that have been years in the making, shifting from a period of leniency to one where non-compliant travelers must now pay for additional screening.
Real ID Has Been Coming for Years
The REAL ID requirement stems from the Real ID Act of 2005, passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to create stronger and more consistent identification standards nationwide.
For nearly two decades, enforcement was delayed multiple times as states updated systems and residents slowly transitioned to the new IDs. The federal government ultimately set May 7, 2025, as the date when REAL ID rules would finally be enforced for domestic air travel.
Since that date, adults flying within the U.S. have technically been required to present:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or
- An acceptable alternative such as a passport, military ID, or Global Entry card
However, during much of 2025, travelers who showed up without proper ID were often allowed to proceed after additional identity review at TSA checkpoints — typically resulting in delays, but no added fee.
That grace period is now ending.
What’s Changing on Feb. 1
Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at TSA checkpoints without acceptable identification will no longer receive extra screening for free.
Instead, they will be directed to use Confirm ID, which requires:
- A $45 nonrefundable fee
- Enhanced identity verification using biographic and biometric information
- Additional screening time that can take 30 minutes or more
TSA officials say the fee helps cover the cost of staffing, software, and technology needed to process travelers who are not REAL ID-compliant.
Paying the fee does not guarantee you will be allowed through security. If TSA cannot verify your identity through the Confirm ID process, you may still be denied access to the secure area of the airport.
Who Will Have to Pay the Fee?
You may need to use Confirm ID if you:
- Do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- Do not have a passport or other acceptable ID
- Forgot your ID at home
- Lost your ID while traveling
TSA estimates that about 94% of travelers already carry acceptable identification, meaning roughly 6% of passengers could be affected by the new fee.
How Confirm ID Works
Travelers are encouraged to pay the $45 fee in advance through the TSA Confirm ID website to reduce delays.
Once paid:
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
- Show your Confirm ID receipt to a TSA officer
- Undergo enhanced identity verification
- Wait for TSA approval to proceed
The fee is valid for 10 days, meaning travelers on short round-trip journeys won’t need to pay twice. However, the fee is nonrefundable, even if travel plans change.
What Is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards.
You can tell if your ID is REAL ID-compliant by looking for a star at the top of the card. The star’s appearance varies by state, but if there is no star, the ID is not REAL ID-compliant.
A REAL ID is required for:
- Boarding domestic flights
- Entering certain federal buildings and military bases
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office in person. Most states do not allow first-time REAL ID upgrades online.
You typically must bring:
- Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
- Proof of lawful status, if applicable
- Two documents proving state residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement
All documents must match your legal name. Name changes often require additional paperwork, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
In most states, a REAL ID costs the same as a standard driver’s license or only slightly more — significantly less than the $45 Confirm ID fee.
The Bottom Line
REAL ID enforcement officially began in May 2025, but the introduction of the Confirm ID fee marks a clear shift: travelers who arrive unprepared will now pay for that mistake.
Those without acceptable ID should expect:
- A $45 charge
- Longer wait times
- No guarantee of clearing security
TSA officials continue to urge travelers to check their IDs now — and, if needed, schedule a DMV appointment — well before their next trip.For most travelers, getting a REAL ID or carrying a passport remains the easiest, cheapest, and least stressful way to avoid problems at the airport.