Travelers without REAL ID will have option to pay $45 fee starting February 1
Airline passengers who do not have REAL ID-compliant identification on Sunday, Feb. 1 at airports nationwide must pay a $45 fee for identity verification before arriving at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The fee covers the cost of a modernized alternative identity verification system, called TSA ConfirmID. The verification will cover a 10-day travel period, so travelers who plan their return flight within that 10-day period will pay once for both flights.
Airline passengers who do not have REAL ID-compliant identification on Sunday, Feb. 1 at airports nationwide must pay a $45 fee for identity verification before arriving at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.
The fee covers the cost of a modernized alternative identity verification system, called TSA ConfirmID. The verification will cover a 10-day travel period, so travelers who plan their return flight within that 10-day period will pay once for both flights.
“Those who do not want to pay the $45 fee for the modernized ID verification still have time to get their REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID,” said Arden Hudson, TSA Federal Security Director for Louisiana. “While most travelers provide acceptable identification, it is our responsibility to confirm that passengers are who they claim to be. TSA ConfirmID is vital for strengthening security and protecting travelers nationwide, ensuring the safety of our skies and transportation systems.”
A temporary driver license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver license or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Travelers without an acceptable ID are encouraged to visit the TSA ConfirmID program fee site and pay the $45 fee prior to travel. Passengers need to have a printed or electronic copy of the receipt to show to the transportation security officer verifying identification at the airport checkpoint.
Nationally, about 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification. TSA expects wait times will increase for passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification when TSA ConfirmID goes into effect.
TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.