New $45 TSA Screening for Flyers Without REAL ID Starts February 1st

Travelers without acceptable ID will have to pay for TSA ConfirmID verification to board flights.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Starting February 1st, travelers flying without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification will have to pay $45 for a TSA ConfirmID screening in order to board their flight. The TSA recommends pre-paying for ConfirmID online before arriving at the airport, as the process can take 15-30 minutes.

Why it matters

This new TSA screening requirement is part of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, which aims to strengthen identification standards for air travel after the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. Travelers without a REAL ID or other accepted ID will now face an additional cost and time delay to verify their identity before flying.

The details

The TSA ConfirmID screening will cost $45 and provide identity verification for 10 days from the date of travel. Travelers can pre-pay online and show their receipt at the TSA checkpoint, or they will have to leave the line to make the payment. The TSA says the screening process can take 15-30 minutes.

  • The new TSA ConfirmID screening requirement goes into effect on February 1, 2026.

The players

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration, a federal agency responsible for security in the transportation system.

Steve Lorincz

A spokesperson for the TSA who provided information about the new ConfirmID screening process.

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What they’re saying

“It could take anywhere between 15 and up to 30 minutes.”

— Steve Lorincz, TSA Spokesperson (kshb.com)

What’s next

Travelers without a REAL ID or other accepted form of ID should pre-pay for the TSA ConfirmID screening online before arriving at the airport to avoid delays.

The takeaway

This new TSA screening requirement highlights the importance of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other accepted form of identification for air travel, as the alternative ConfirmID process will add time and cost for travelers.