As of Feb. 1, all travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at U.S. airports will be required to pay $45 to use an alternative identity-verification system. The fee is part of the Transportation Security Administration's next phase of Real ID enforcement.
The Real ID Act took effect on May 7, 2025, following years of delays. The legislation requires all travelers to present a Real ID–compliant driver's license or photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or a military ID) to board domestic commercial flights. The TSA urges travelers who do not have a Real ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV as soon as possible.
Any traveler who does not have a compliant ID will have to pay $45 to use the TSA ConfirmID verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day travel period, so travelers who have a return flight booked within 10 days, do not need to pay a second fee.
Payment for the ConfirmID verification system can be made online through the TSA website. Passengers must show a printed or electronic copy of the receipt to TSA officers at the airport security checkpoint. Travelers are advised to complete payment before arriving at the airport in order to avoid delays.
"Those who do not want to pay the $45 fee for the modernized ID verification still have time to get their Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID," said the agency in a press release. "While most travelers provide acceptable identification, it is our responsibility to confirm that passengers are who they claim to be. TSA ConfirmID is vital for strengthening security and protecting travelers nationwide, ensuring the safety of our skies and transportation systems."
What is Real ID?
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to enhance airport-security standards in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Enforcement initially was scheduled for 2008 but has been delayed multiple times, including throughout the pandemic.
The Transportation Security Administration published a final rule on Real ID in January 2025 and the act went into effect on May 7, 2025.
In order to get a Real ID, travelers need to visit their local department of motor vehicles with the required documentation (proof of identity, proof of social security, proof of residency and proof of name change, if applicable). All states currently are issuing Real ID–compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
All travelers 18 and older are required to show valid identification at airport checkpoints. According to TSA, the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Travelers are encouraged to consult the TSA's website for an up-to-date list of acceptable IDs.
The current list includes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- 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 car
- 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)