The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to introduce a new form of identity verification for would-be air passengers lacking an acceptable form of ID in spring 2026. The TSA “Confirm.ID” system is being billed as an alternative to REAL ID, a card compliant with federal security standards established in 2005.
From 1 February 2026, all potential flyers who present without a REAL ID will be referred to the “optional TSA Confirm ID process,” a TSA press release says. For a $45 fee, passengers will be able to have their identity verified upon TSA check-in, prior to entering the security line, for a 10-day travel period. The process will differ airport to airport, TSA says, assuring the public it is “working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.”
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, any traveler 18+ who comes to a TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID may use TSA Confirm. ID, pay a $45 fee & have their identity validated.
— TSA (@TSA) December 3, 2025
Learn more: https://t.co/8RMsLuq0Lz pic.twitter.com/H135Xb1zok
Over 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification, the TSA says, but this process is being developed to enhance security. Senior TSA official, Adam Stahl, said in a statement: “The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are.”
According to the TSA release, acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Explaining the push towards verification and the fee, which some are framing as a $45 penalty for failing to get REAL ID, Stahl said: “Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail.”
He continued: “This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”
