12/16/2025
A reminder for those planning to fly in the new year:
Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing a $45 fee for those traveling without a Real ID or other form of acceptable identification (like a passport or Global Entry.) The TSA says that the $45 will allow you to use a āmodernized alternative identity verification systemā to confirm your identity at security checkpoints.
Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by 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 driverās 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)
All travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driverās license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line
WASHINGTON ā The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish ide...