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After years of delays, the REAL ID requirement took effect earlier this year with a $45 fee being imposed on travelers without these IDs as of February 1st. This change has marked a major shift in airport identification standards across the United States. REAL IDs or valid passports are now required to pass through TSA security checkpoints. Without these travelers are still able to fly, but they must undergo an additional identity-verification procedure known as TSA ConfirmID.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has successfully implemented its new modernized alternative identity verification system. While early data indicates that 95 to 99% of travelers are now presenting REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, the new system presents an alternative for the others. This represents a significant improvement since TSA ConfirmID was first announced in December 2025 and signals that more passengers are arriving prepared under the updated federal ID standards.
TSA ConfirmID was developed to close long-standing gaps in identity verification by providing an additional pathway for travelers who are not yet REAL ID-compliant. Passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification may still proceed through security, but they will have to use TSA ConfirmID, which involves enhanced verification procedures and a $45 fee that covers a 10-day travel period.
The agency emphasizes that TSA ConfirmID is intended to provide additional screening safeguards for non-compliant passengers and ensures stronger identity standards while preventing security vulnerabilities in commercial aviation.
With spring break travel approaching, TSA and airports across the country are preparing for an increase in infrequent flyers who may not be aware of updated ID requirements. TSA strongly encourages travelers to confirm they are REAL ID-ready before arriving at the airport in order to avoid delays and ensure a seamless screening experience.
It recommends three key steps for travelers prior to flying:
- First, passengers should check their identification before heading to the airport. A REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable document such as a passport is sufficient.
- Second, travelers without acceptable ID can use TSA ConfirmID by going here and paying the $45 fee in advance. A payment receipt will be emailed through pay.gov.
- Third, passengers must bring the receipt to the airport, either printed or as a screenshot, along with any government-issued ID they may have, and follow TSA officer instructions to complete the verification process.
TSA continues to encourage travelers who do not yet have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment with their state Department of Motor Vehicles and obtain one before their next trip.
Anthony’s Take: As enforcement begins in earnest, TSA ConfirmID provides a transitional solution while reinforcing the agency’s broader goal of ensuring stronger identity verification and a more secure travel environment. This has been a long time coming, so I have no sympathy for anyone complaining about the hassle and related fee.
(Image Credits: TSA.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
