AAAE Security Policy Alert: TSA Shares Additional Information about TSA ConfirmID
December 17, 2025
TSA has shared with AAAE additional information about TSA ConfirmID, the alternative identify verification service for travelers without identification or an acceptable form of identification including a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card.
Speaking at the 25th Annual AAAE Aviation Security Summit last week, TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nyguen McNeill explained that TSA ConfirmID is the next step in full enforcement of REAL ID requirements. In May 2025, TSA began implementation of full enforcement of REAL ID requirements at security checkpoints nationwide, meaning every traveler 18 years of age or older needs a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.
Beginning February 1, 2026, individuals that present at the checkpoint with no identification or identification that is not REAL ID compliant or on TSA’s list of acceptable forms of identification can use TSA ConfirmID and pay a $45 fee per individual per 10-day use. Payment through Pay.gov can be made prior to travel and date of departure can be entered and used to measure the 10-day period. TSA hopes to drive the registration and payment process as far away from the checkpoint as possible, encouraging travelers to register and pay in advance.
TSA provided AAAE an initial frequently asked questions document addressing questions that AAAE and other aviation associations have submitted based on on-going discussions with the agency about the program. The Industry Engagement Q&A addresses questions about timeline, program policies and procedures, program execution logistics, fee implementation, and program technologies. TSA states in the document that TSA ConfirmID will be available at all checkpoints on February 1, 2026. There is no endpoint device that passengers will interact with. Payment of the fee must occur in advance of reaching the TSA checkpoint and may be completed online via Pay.gov which can be accessed through TSA’s website. The identity verification process itself will occur at TSA checkpoints. No TSA staffing adjustments will be made as a result of implementing TSA ConfirmID.
TSA also shared the its REAL ID FY26 Advertising Plan Overview, outlining the agency's communication efforts to urge Americans to be travel-ready with a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, along with digital copies of the TSA ConfirmID logos and social media posts. TSA will also be conducting substantial outreach to inform individuals of the need to pay the TSA ConfirmID fee in advance of reaching the TSA checkpoint and will provide information for individuals who pay the fee and present their receipt at the checkpoint.
Additional resources include:
REAL ID AFOID One Pager: informational one pager for public-facing stakeholders (e.g. ticket counter agents, greeters, etc.)
