Security Policy Alert: TSA Issues Guidance for ConfirmID

January 13, 2026

Per TSA, starting February 1, 2026, passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID (including non-REAL ID compliant state-issued identification) at TSA checkpoints may verify their ID using TSA ConfirmID, TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification option. TSA ConfirmID is a $45 fee-based service designed to enhance security and streamline identity verification for air travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID. TSA ConfirmID ensures compliance with federal security standards and strengthens the safety of air travel by preventing unauthorized individuals, including terrorists, illegal aliens, and other bad actors, from accessing domestic aviation systems.

Web links to TSA ConfirmID are now active and available for use. TSA is requesting that airports update their websites and traveler information sites.

TSA has shared with AAAE the following high-level talking points regarding TSA ConfirmID.

TSA Top Line Messaging

Beginning on February 1, 2026, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID will have the option to pay a $45 fee to attempt to verify their identity through TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification process, TSA ConfirmID.

Identity confirmation is a critical step in TSA’s multilayered security approach.

Acceptable forms of ID, such as REAL IDs or passports, deter bad actors and illegal aliens from traveling, which is a critical component of our mission to keep air travel secure.

Mobile Drivers Licenses and Digital Passports, like the Digital IDs offered by Google and Apple, are also considered acceptable forms of identification.

More than 94 percent of passengers already use an acceptable form of ID.

TSA is urging travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment with their Department of Motor Vehicle and update their identification.

Payments will be made through Pay.Gov.

The fee is based on operation, technology, and administrative expenses.

TSA General Talking Points

If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints, you’ll have an option to pay a $45 fee to utilize TSA ConfirmID to try and confirm identity.

Utilizing TSA ConfirmID is voluntary, and travelers may decline to participate. However, a traveler who chooses not to use the service may be denied access to the sterile area and may not be able to continue with his or her flight.

The TSA ConfirmID process should take an average of 10-15 minutes; however, it could take 30 minutes or more depending on the information used to verify the traveler’s identity, security checkpoint wait times, and additional screening measures.

Travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID and enter the security line will be escorted to a different location to use the TSA ConfirmID process before returning to the security checkpoint.

For travelers who will be traveling before they can obtain acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints, TSA urges travelers to pay the fee required to use TSA ConfirmID as early as possible before travel to prevent any delays or cancellations.

TSA is ensuring we keep our skies and other modes of transportation safe and free of illegal aliens and terrorists.

The Passport Look tool within TSA’s ConfirmID uses CBP’s passport lookup service. If a passport is found the passport lookup service will return positive confirmation along with the passport image to the modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID for manual validation by the officer.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need any additional information. We have been working closely with TSA's senior leadership regarding TSA ConfirmID implementation and continue to share airports' concerns, questions and outreach efforts prior to the February 1 planned implementation.