People traveling within the United States will soon face a new $45 fee if they don't have proper identification, such as REAL ID, at airport security checkpoints.
Some airports have continued to accept certain forms of identification other than REAL ID since May 2025, when the REAL ID requirement first went into effect, but starting Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will begin charging a fee to passengers passing through airport security checkpoints who don't have a REAL ID or other approved identification.
Here is everything to know about the new requirement and how to obtain a REAL ID.
Travelers without a REAL ID or other form of approved identification at U.S. airports for domestic flights will face a $45 fee, dubbed the "TSA ConfirmID Fee," starting next month, as part of TSA's next phase of the REAL ID implementation process.
Starting Feb. 1, individuals without compliant forms of identification will be required to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system before they are allowed to pass through a TSA checkpoint.
Individuals who don't have a REAL ID will need to go online to TSA.gov and follow the prompts listed to verify their identity before paying the $45 ConfirmID fee. Once that verification is completed, the traveler will receive a confirmation email to show the TSA officer before they can pass through the checkpoint. The process can take between 10 to 15 minutes, but up to 30 minutes or longer.
Once a ConfirmID receipt is obtained, it is valid for 10 days, according to the TSA website. After the 10-day period has passed, travelers without a compliant ID will need to revisit the TSA website to obtain a new ConfirmID receipt in order to pass through a TSA checkpoint.
TSA has warned that if it can't verify a traveler's identity at a security checkpoint for whatever reason -- even after the verification process is completed online -- there is no guarantee the traveler will be cleared to cross through the security checkpoint.
"We still need to go through the process to make sure that we verify who you are," Steve Lorincz, TSA deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, told ABC News in December. "And for whatever reason, if we can't do that, then you can't go through the process."
The federal Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," the Department of Homeland Security states on its website.
The rules set out which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the U.S. and to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses and other federal facilities.
Applying for a REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency and a trip to your local DMV. (See below for more on the full requirements and application process details.)
All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are issuing REAL IDs.
Full enforcement of the REAL ID Act went into effect May 7, 2025. DHS previously delayed the implementation of REAL ID several times over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the TSA website, travelers who present "state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance" before being directed to a separate area, where they "may receive additional screening."
"This includes TSA PreCheck passengers," the website states.
Other forms of approved identification accepted at TSA checkpoints include valid U.S. passports or U.S. passport cards; DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST; Department of Defense IDs; permanent resident or border crossing cards; photo IDs issued by a federally recognized tribal nation; and more.
Click here for a full list of valid identification for TSA screening.
Yes. TSA said it will also accept Digital Identification such as Apple Digital ID, Clear ID, and a Google ID pass "as a part of our ongoing testing efforts to strengthen identity security."
Requirements vary by state, so check the DHS website to see your state's specific requirements.
At a minimum, applicants are required to provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status, according to the DHS website.
Proof of Social Security number may come from a Social Security Administration account card or a W-2 form, a pay stub, a SSA-1099 form or a non-SSA-1099 form, according to DHS.
The REAL ID looks almost the same as a current state ID card or driver's license but has a compliant star marking.
Some differences may vary by state, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears on the top right corner with the white star on the animal's left side.
If an ID says "federal limits apply," that person will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses and other locations.
The REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel.
However, a valid passport is considered compliant identification for travelers flying domestic within the U.S. and to access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.
Click here for additional answers from DHS to some frequently asked questions about REAL ID.
