The federal air safety authority announced the implementation of a fee linked to identity verification before boarding on domestic routes.
On February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a new $45 fee for those who do not present a REAL ID or equivalent document at security checkpoints in U.S. airports. The measure, officially announced by the federal authority, will affect all travelers boarding flights within the United States without the required credentials, as part of the process of complying with the REAL ID Act.
According to the TSA, this fee corresponds to the process called "ConfirmID Fee," which will be applied to those who do not present approved documentation at airport security checkpoints. According to the agency, the alternative identity verification can be carried out online or in person and will have a temporary validity of ten days, allowing access to the boarding area only after completing the procedure and paying the required amount. This was announced by the TSA on its institutional website.
The REAL ID Act was approved by the U.S. Congress in 2005, following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established federal requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards, with the aim of increasing security in aviation and at federal facilities. After several postponements, the full implementation of the regulations began in May 2025, as stipulated by federal authorities.
What is REAL ID and why is it required?
The REAL ID is an identification card issued by states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories that meets the federal security standards established by the DHS. This credential is mandatory for boarding domestic flights and accessing restricted federal facilities. The TSA warned that, since the law came into effect, it will only accept documents that meet these standards to allow passage through security checkpoints.
According to information published by the TSA, the REAL ID is distinguished by a gold star in the upper right corner of the credential. The document is obtained at state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices by presenting proof of identity, legal residency, Social Security number, and two proofs of address. The agency reported that specific requirements may vary by state, but all must comply with the federal framework.
Who is affected by the $45 fee?
Starting February 1, 2026, passengers who do not present a REAL ID or approved alternative document will have to pay a $45 fee to access the alternative identity verification process at U.S. airport security checkpoints. This measure will impact U.S. citizens, legal residents, and visitors traveling on domestic flights who do not have the required compatible identification.
According to the official TSA communication, those in this situation will have to complete a validation procedure, which can be done online through the agency's portal or in person at the airport. The process includes biometric or biographical verification and the issuance of a document called a "ConfirmID receipt," valid for a maximum of ten days. The agency warned that even if the procedure is completed and the fee is paid, authorization to access the boarding area will depend on the validation result.
What alternative documents does the TSA accept?
The TSA specified that, in addition to the REAL ID, the following documents are accepted for passing security checkpoints on flights within the United States:
Valid U.S. passport.
U.S. passport card.
Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST program cards.
Identification cards issued by the Department of Defense.
Permanent resident card ("green card") or border crossing card.
Documents issued by a federally recognized tribal nation.
The agency also reported that digital IDs, such as Apple, Clear, or Google digital versions, are being evaluated in pilot programs aimed at strengthening security and streamlining the screening process.
How is the alternative verification process carried out, and how long does it take? According to the TSA, travelers who do not present valid identification must visit the agency's official website and follow the steps for identity verification before paying the $45 fee. The procedure includes uploading biometric or biographical data, validating the information, and receiving a digital confirmation that authorizes passage through the security checkpoint.
The estimated time to complete this process varies.The process takes between ten and thirty minutes, depending on the availability of the systems and the verification of the provided data. The “ConfirmID receipt” will be valid for ten days and must be renewed for each subsequent trip if the passenger does not obtain a compatible identification.
The TSA clarified that access to the boarding area is not guaranteed if the passenger's identity cannot be verified, even if the process has been completed and the fee paid. “We still need to verify who the person traveling is. If for any reason we cannot confirm the identity, access to the boarding area will not be permitted,” said Steve Lorincz, assistant executive deputy administrator for security operations at the TSA, as reported by ABC News.
What happens if the document says “federal limits apply”?
Licenses or IDs that bear the legend “federal limits apply” will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or for entry into restricted federal facilities in the United States. According to the TSA, only IDs with the gold star—or other authorized symbols in some states—meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act and allow passage without the need for additional processes or fee payments.
Can I travel with a passport instead of a REAL ID?
A valid US passport is accepted as an alternative document for domestic flights, according to the TSA. Other documents issued by the Department of State, such as the passport card, also allow access to the boarding area without the need to present a REAL ID. This flexibility allows travelers to use international documents based on their availability and preference.
How to obtain a REAL ID and what requirements are needed?
To apply for a REAL ID, interested individuals must go to their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices and present the following documentation:
Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
Social Security number (card, W-2, SSA-1099 form, or equivalent).
Two proofs of address (utility bills, contracts, etc.).
Proof of legal residence in the United States.
The TSA and DHS publish updated instructions for each state and territory on their official websites. It is recommended to consult the specific information before starting the process, as the requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
What changes does this measure introduce, and what remains the same?
The main change is the imposition of a $45 fee for those who do not present an accepted form of identification when going through TSA checkpoints. Until now, travelers could access an additional verification procedure at no cost, although with delays. Starting in February 2026, the alternative process will be subject to payment of the fee and successful identity verification.
The requirement to present a REAL ID or approved alternative document remains in effect for all domestic flights within the United States and access to federal facilities. The temporary verification certificate is valid for ten days, which requires passengers to repeat the procedure if they do not regularize their documentation in time.
What impact will the new fee have on travelers?
The introduction of the $45 fee by the TSA adds an additional cost and administrative step for those traveling within the United States without a REAL ID or equivalent document. Passengers should anticipate this requirement and plan to obtain compatible identification to avoid delays, charges, and potential inconveniences at airport security checkpoints.
This measure, framed within the implementation of the REAL ID Act, seeks to standardize access controls and strengthen security in air transport and federal facilities across the country. The TSA recommends that travelers review the required documentation in advance and consider obtaining a REAL ID or alternative document before planning their trip.
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