For years, travelers across the United States have been hearing about the impending REAL ID deadline. Dates have shifted and extensions have been granted, but the final enforcement phase is now upon us. Starting in 2026, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be enough to get you through airport security.
For those who aren’t ready, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a new fallback option called ConfirmID. Launching on February 1, 2026, this program offers a paid alternative for travelers who arrive at the airport without a compliant ID. While it provides a safety net, it comes with a $45 price tag and potential delays.
Navigating airport security can already feel stressful. Understanding these new rules now will help you avoid unexpected fees and ensure your next trip goes smoothly. Here is everything you need to know about the new ConfirmID option and how to prepare for the REAL ID requirements.
What Is REAL ID and Why Is It Required?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
For a long time, enforcement was delayed to give states and residents time to comply. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set a firm timeline for full enforcement. While the deadline was previously discussed as May 7, 2025, the new regulations regarding ConfirmID will be enforced starting February 1, 2026.
Once enforcement begins, if you show up to a TSA checkpoint with a standard, non-compliant driver’s license, you will not be permitted to pass through security unless you have an acceptable alternative form of identification or pay for the ConfirmID service.
Introducing ConfirmID: The $45 Identity Verification Option
The TSA recognizes that not everyone will have updated their identification by the deadline. To prevent mass disruptions and missed flights, they created ConfirmID. This program acts as a last-resort option for travelers who find themselves at the airport without a REAL ID-compliant document.
The cost for this service is a flat fee of $45.
It is important to understand that ConfirmID is not a physical card or a permanent ID replacement. It is an on-the-spot verification service. If you arrive at the security checkpoint without valid ID, you can elect to pay this fee to undergo a specialized identity check. If successful, TSA officers will allow you to proceed to your gate.
How ConfirmID Works (Step-by-Step)
If you find yourself in line at airport security without a REAL ID after the enforcement date, here is the process you can expect:
- Notification: A TSA officer will inform you that your standard license is not compliant. You will be given the choice to leave and return with valid ID or use the ConfirmID option.
- Payment: You will pay the $45 fee directly at the airport.
- Verification Process: Unlike a simple ID check, this process involves a deeper vetting procedure. You may be asked personal questions to verify your identity against secure databases. This step allows TSA to confirm who you are without a physical compliant card.
- Clearance Decision: If your identity is successfully verified, TSA will clear you to proceed through the screening process. If they cannot verify your identity, you will not be allowed to fly.
- Receipt Validity: Upon successful verification, you will receive a receipt. This receipt is valid for up to 10 days, meaning you can use it for your return flight or other travel within that short window without paying the fee again.
What Documents Still Let You Skip the $45 Fee
You do not need to pay for ConfirmID if you carry another form of acceptable identification. Even if you haven’t upgraded your driver’s license, you can still fly essentially for free (minus your ticket cost) by presenting one of the following TSA-approved documents:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card: These are fully compliant and accepted at all airports.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Issued by certain states (like Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington), these are already REAL ID-compliant.
- DHS-Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST cards.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: including IDs for dependents.
- Permanent Resident Card: Also known as a Green Card.
- Federally Recognized, Tribal-Issued Photo ID.
- DHS-Approved Digital ID: Available in some states (like Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland) via mobile wallets, though availability is limited to specific checkpoints.
Bringing any of these documents allows you to bypass the ConfirmID process entirely.
Pros and Cons of Using ConfirmID
While ConfirmID is a helpful backup plan, relying on it has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Emergency Fallback: It provides a crucial safety net if you forget your wallet or didn’t realize your license was non-compliant.
- Saves Your Trip: Without this option, forgetting a compliant ID would mean missing your flight and potentially losing the money spent on tickets and accommodations.
Cons
- Cost: $45 per traveler adds up quickly. For a family of four, relying on ConfirmID would cost an extra $180 just to get through security.
- No Guarantee: Payment does not guarantee entry. If the database cannot verify your identity for any reason, you will still be turned away.
- Delays: The additional verification steps take time. If the airport is busy, this extra process could cause you to miss your flight anyway.
TSA’s Message to Travelers
The TSA strongly encourages all travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card well before the deadline. ConfirmID is designed as a contingency, not a primary solution.
The agency aims to keep lines moving and ensure security standards remain high. Relying on manual verification slows down the process for everyone. By upgrading your ID now, you help keep security checkpoints efficient and avoid unnecessary stress for yourself and fellow travelers.
You can check if your current license is compliant by looking for a star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. If you do not see a star, visit your state’s DMV website for information on how to upgrade.
Final Tips for Travelers
Travel can be unpredictable, but your identification doesn’t have to be.
- Check Your Wallet Today: Look at your driver’s license right now. Is there a star? If not, make a plan to visit the DMV.
- Budget Extra Time: If you know you will need to use ConfirmID, arrive at the airport earlier than usual. The verification process is lengthier than a standard ID scan.
- Consider Upgrading Now: The cost of a REAL ID upgrade at the DMV is often less than the $45 one-time ConfirmID fee. Upgrading saves you money in the long run and provides peace of mind for years of travel.
Preparation Equals Smooth Travel
The introduction of the $45 ConfirmID option gives travelers a backup plan, but it shouldn’t be your Plan A. The REAL ID requirements are meant to enhance security, and complying with them is the easiest way to ensure a hassle-free airport experience.
Take the time to check your documents today. Whether you choose to upgrade your license, apply for a passport card, or ensure you always travel with your passport, having the right ID means you can keep that $45 in your pocket for your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is TSA ConfirmID?
TSA ConfirmID is a new option available starting February 1, 2026, for travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or identification. It allows you to verify your identity at airport security checkpoints for a $45 fee.
When does the REAL ID requirement take effect?
The REAL ID requirement will be enforced beginning May 7, 2025. After this date, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license, state ID, or an alternative acceptable form of identification like a passport to board domestic flights.
How can I avoid paying the $45 ConfirmID fee?
To avoid the fee, ensure you have a REAL ID-compliant license or carry an acceptable alternative such as a passport or passport card when traveling. It’s important to check the expiration dates on these documents to avoid any last-minute issues.
Is TSA ConfirmID available at all airports?
TSA ConfirmID will be implemented at most TSA security checkpoints nationwide. However, it’s recommended to confirm availability at your departing airport before planning to use this option.
Can I use TSA ConfirmID for international travel?
No, TSA ConfirmID is only valid for domestic flights within the United States. For international travel, a valid passport or an approved alternative is still required.
Is TSA ConfirmID a permanent solution?
TSA ConfirmID is intended as a backup option for those without proper identification at the time of travel. It is not a replacement for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or carrying an acceptable ID.
For more information on this topic, visit the official TSA website and FAQs: https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id