Exact date travelers without a REAL ID must pay | Travel News

Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced that air travelers who don’t current an acceptable type of identification and nonetheless want to fly can decide to pay a $45 payment to make use of a modernized various identification verification system, generally known as ConfirmID, to determine their identification at security checkpoints.

However, TSA nonetheless urges travelers who would not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their native DMV to replace their ID as quickly as doable. In the meantime, passengers flying without a REAL ID can pay the payment online as a way to journey. 

The TSA said that when travelers are accredited and pay the payment, the identification verification will likely be legitimate for a 10-day journey period. After the 10-day period is up, travelers without a REAL ID or passport will likely be required to pay the $45 payment again to move via airport security. 

What is the precise date travelers without a REAL ID must pay $45 to fly?

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID will likely be required to pay a $45 payment to get via airport security.

While over 94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or different acceptable types of identification, the TSA anticipates elevated wait instances at airport security for passengers who do not present an acceptable ID. 

“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail,” stated Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl.

“The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA ConfirmID process. This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”

What types of identification are acceptable at U.S. airports?

Acceptable types of ID embody:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler playing cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, together with IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photograph ID issued by a federally acknowledged Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, together with Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How will passengers without an acceptable type of identification proceed at airports?

All travelers without an acceptable ID, together with those that current a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will likely be referred to the non-compulsory TSA ConfirmID course of for identification verification upon TSA check-in and earlier than becoming a member of the security line. 

The TSA says that this course of of identification verification will range from airport to airport, however provides that the company is
“working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.” 

Those who need to endure the TSA ConfirmID course of ought to anticipate delays in processing on the airport.