Taking a flight? If you don’t have a REAL ID, you must pay a fee starting Sunday
The Transportation Security Administration had been urging travelers to obtain a REAL ID as U.S. airports prepared to enforce a new requirement for domestic flights.
That new rule takes effect on Sunday, Feb. 1.
According to previous announcements, TSA will implement a new $45 fee at airports nationwide, offering travelers an “alternative system” to verify their identity before boarding domestic flights.
REAL ID rules at airports: TSA introduces ConfirmID and $45 identity check
Although U.S. airports have accepted REAL ID–compliant documents since May, a TSA social-media post in early January signaled a renewed push for travelers to secure proper identification ahead of the Feb. 1 deadline.
“Don’t have your REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID? Starting on Feb. 1, travelers may pay a $45 fee to verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID,” the agency wrote on X.
The agency has launched a dedicated website with details about the new ConfirmID system, describing it as a “modernized alternative identity verification option.”
“TSA ConfirmID ensures compliance with federal security standards and strengthens the safety of air travel by preventing unauthorized individuals — including terrorists, illegal aliens and other bad actors — from accessing domestic aviation systems,” the agency said.
Travelers who have lost their identification or do not have an acceptable form of ID will be able to verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID before boarding domestic flights.
What to know about TSA ConfirmID
Starting Feb. 1, domestic travelers who do not have identification that meets REAL ID standards will have the option to pay a $45 fee.
According to the TSA, the identity-verification process takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes, though in some cases it might last 30 minutes or longer.
TSA alert: Expect longer lines if you don’t have a REAL ID
TSA is advising travelers without REAL ID–compliant documents to arrive at airports earlier than usual due to potential delays linked to the identity-verification process.
“The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are,” said Adam Stahl, senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA.
The new verification system, whose fee could increase in the future, will allow travelers to confirm their identity at security checkpoints for a 10-day travel window.
TSA is urging travelers who do not yet have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV as soon as possible.
The REAL ID Act was passed more than 20 years ago, but the Trump administration officially implemented it on May 7, 2025.
Florida driver’s licenses that meet REAL ID standards can be identified by a star inside a circle in the upper right corner of the card.
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM.
