AAAE Security Policy Alert: TSA to Charge $45 to Travelers without a REAL ID
December 1, 2025
Today, TSA announced that, beginning on February 1, 2026, the agency will refer all passengers who do not present a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of ID but still want to fly to use a modernized alternative identity verification system now known as TSA Confirm.ID. Travelers will need to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID, which will be valid for for a 10-day travel period.
Previously, in a fee notice published on November 20, TSA proposed to charge $18 for use of the modernized alternative identity verification system. TSA had also previously indicated that travelers could be provided the option to use the service. In today’s press release announcing the significant fee increase, TSA states that all travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. TSA explains that this process will differ from airport to airport, and the agency is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport. The agency expects increased wait times for passengers who do not provide an acceptable ID and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID processing at the airport.
TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible. TSA urges all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the fee online before traveling. According to TSA, for passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for the TSA Confirm.ID option will be available at marked locations at or near the checkpoint in most airports.
AAAE continues to have discussions with TSA senior leadership about exactly what this process will look like at airports nationwide as the agency works to finalize the operating procedures for the program. Although TSA has adjusted the implementation to February 1, 2026, AAAE continues to express concerns about the aggressive timeline for implementation. AAAE has also asked when an updated fee notice will be issued. TSA is already working on frequently-asked-questions document based on the questions we submitted based on your feedback.
As always, we will keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please continue to share any questions or concerns that you may have about implementation of the new TSA Confirm.ID option at your airport.
