As of Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially rolled out a new $45 fee for travelers who reach security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. While the TSA reports that 94% of passengers are already compliant, the remaining travelers now face a mandatory paid verification process if they want to board their flight.
This isn’t just a proposal anymore–the “ConfirmID” system is live. Here is how it works and how to avoid being turned away at the gate.
Why Is TSA Charging A $45 Fee?
The $45 TSA fee is charged to travelers who fail to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. The agency clarifies that the $45 is a cost recovery fee for the technology and resources used to verify your identity through third-party databases.
TSA ConfirmID is not a guarantee. Travelers paying the fee are given the chance to verify their identity–if the system cannot confirm your identity, you will still be denied boarding and may miss your flight.
What Is TSA ConfirmID?
TSA ConfirmID is a temporary identity verification program that remains valid for up to 10 days. It uses biometric technology–including facial recognition and fingerprint scans–to verify a traveler’s identity.
Travelers may experience an additional wait of roughly 30 minutes during the screening process.
How To Pay The $45 Fee
Passengers who don’t have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification can pay the fee online before arriving at the airport, which may help reduce wait times.
Payment is accepted through a bank account, debit or credit card, as well as Venmo or PayPal.
What Are All Of The Acceptable Forms Of ID?
You don’t need a REAL ID to avoid the fee if you have one of these other accepted documents:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): only issued in MI, MN, NY, VT, and WA
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.
- U.S. Military ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Digital IDs: accepted in Apple, Google, and Samsung Wallets at over 250 airports (check your state’s status)
Pro Tip: a “temporary” paper license from the DMV is not accepted for domestic flight identity verification.
Does My License Count?
To see if your license is acceptable, look at the top right corner.
- A Gold or Black Star: you are REAL ID compliant–no fee
- “Not for Federal Identification”: this is a standard license–you will be charged the $45 fee unless you have a passport

Planning Your Upgrade
If you want to avoid the $45 tax on your next trip, now is the time to visit the DMV. Most states require:
- Identity Proof: Birth certificate or Passport
- Social Security Proof: SSN card or a W-2
- Residency: two documents (utility bills, bank statements) issued within the last year
Note: keep in mind all New York DMV offices and online services are shutting down for five days this February for a massive $200 million technology overhaul. Learn more.
Why Is This Happening Now?
While the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, enforcement was delayed for decades. Following the May 2025 final deadline, the TSA has moved into the “enforcement phase.”
By charging for manual verification, the agency hopes to push the remaining 6% of non-compliant travelers to upgrade their documents, ultimately speeding up security lines for everyone.