New TSA fees start for travelers without Real ID or passport

Driving the news: Beginning Feb. 1, the TSA will refer travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification to a new identity verification process called TSA ConfirmID.

• The process costs $45 and is valid for 10 days.
• It's for adults 18 or older without a Real ID or a passport.

Flashback: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports.

• After repeated delays, May 7, 2025 was the enforcement deadline to have identification that meets federal security standards to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.

How to pay the TSA fee

How it works: TSA estimates roughly 6% of travelers will need to use the option.

• Travelers can pay the $45 fee online in advance through Pay.gov or at the airport.
• TSA strongly recommends paying ahead of time to avoid longer delays.
• The screening process can take 10 to 30 extra minutes, and there's no guarantee TSA can verify a traveler's identity.

Travelers who don't use the TSA ConfirmID option and don't have an acceptable ID may not be allowed through security.

How to avoid the new TSA fee

Zoom out: You don't need a Real ID if you bring another acceptable form of identification, including:

• A U.S. passport or passport card
• An enhanced driver's license (issued by some states)
• Trusted traveler cards like Global Entry or NEXUS
• A military ID

Of note: Temporary paper licenses aren't accepted.

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