TSA Implements $45 ConfirmID Fee for Travelers Without Real ID

New requirement aims to crack down on flyers without acceptable identification documents

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a new $45 ConfirmID fee for travelers who arrive at the airport without a Real ID or passport. The fee allows these travelers to proceed through security and board their flights, but the process could take up to 30 minutes.

Why it matters

The new ConfirmID fee is part of the TSA's efforts to enforce the Real ID Act, which requires travelers to have a federally-compliant identification card to board domestic flights. This change aims to encourage more travelers to obtain a Real ID ahead of time to avoid delays at the airport.

The details

Travelers without a Real ID or passport will have to pay the $45 ConfirmID fee, which allows them to proceed through security by scanning a QR code and paying the fee online. The process can take up to 30 minutes, so the TSA recommends travelers take care of this before arriving at the airport. To get a Real ID, individuals need to provide their current ID, Social Security number, proof of residency, and a signature.

  • The new ConfirmID fee took effect on Sunday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.

Jeff Rogers

A traveler at O'Hare International Airport who was in the process of getting a passport to avoid the new ConfirmID fee.

Jim Spriggs

The TSA's federal security director for Illinois, who provided information about the new ConfirmID process.

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What they’re saying

“I mean it is no big deal, but I'm in the process of getting my passport so i don't have to do that.”

— Jeff Rogers, Traveler (NBC Chicago)

“The ID process should take no more than 10 or 15 minutes, however it could take 30 minutes or more so we recommend folks take care of this before airport.”

— Jim Spriggs, TSA Federal Security Director for Illinois (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

Travelers without a Real ID or passport are encouraged to obtain one ahead of time to avoid the $45 ConfirmID fee and potential delays at the airport.

The takeaway

The new ConfirmID fee is part of the TSA's efforts to enforce the Real ID Act and encourage more travelers to get the federally-compliant identification card. This change aims to streamline the security process and reduce delays at airports, but it also adds an additional cost for those without a Real ID or passport.