Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a $45 non-refundable fee for passengers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a compliant form of identification – such as a REAL ID or a valid passport. The new program, called ConfirmID, aims to streamline identity verification for those lacking standard travel documents and to recoup program costs.
The Shift Towards Digital Identity Verification
For years, the TSA has been slowly pushing for stricter ID requirements for air travel. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, mandating federal standards for state-issued IDs, but enforcement has been repeatedly delayed. Now, the agency is moving toward a system where those without compliant IDs face a financial disincentive.
The fee was initially projected to be $18 but has been raised to $45 to fully cover the cost of implementation. The TSA asserts that the fee will encourage more travelers to obtain a REAL ID, as 94% of US travelers already present eligible identification at checkpoints. This suggests the current system works well for the majority, but the remaining 6% will now pay a premium for non-compliance.
How ConfirmID Will Work
Travelers without an eligible ID can pre-verify their identity online via a dedicated TSA webpage before arriving at the airport. The process involves biometric and biographic checks, including passport lookups and knowledge-based verification questions. Upon completion, travelers receive a digital receipt to present at security.
Those who arrive unprepared will be directed away from the checkpoint to complete the online verification process using QR codes and pay.gov. The TSA estimates this will take 10-15 minutes per traveler. This approach shifts the burden of identity verification from TSA agents to individual passengers, potentially speeding up lines for those who are prepared.
The Implications of the Fee
The $45 fee raises questions about accessibility and fairness. While the TSA frames this as a cost-recovery measure, it effectively penalizes travelers who may not have access to compliant identification due to bureaucratic hurdles or financial constraints.
The move could also incentivize more travelers to get REAL IDs, but the fee itself might disproportionately affect lower-income passengers. It’s unclear if the program will significantly reduce manual identity checks, as many travelers may still opt to pay the fee rather than obtain new documentation.
The implementation of ConfirmID represents a shift towards a more digitized and financially incentivized approach to airport security. Whether this will result in a smoother travel experience or further complicate matters remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the TSA’s new $45 identity verification fee is designed to streamline security procedures and recover program costs. However, the fee may create barriers for some travelers and raises broader questions about equitable access to air travel.
