Photo: Shutterstock The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that, starting February 1, 2026, a new system called TSA ConfirmID will go into effect, allowing US resident passengers arriving at airports without a REAL ID or other valid means of identification to fly using an alternative identity verification route, for a fee of $45.
The new system is designed to accommodate passengers who lack the required identification but still wish to board a flight. However, the TSA emphasizes that this option involves more stringent screening, additional identity verifications, and delays.
Passengers who arrive at the checkpoint without a REAL ID or other approved form of identification, and who have not paid the TSA ConfirmID fee in advance, may experience significant delays and even miss their flight. TSA recommends that passengers prepare in advance and ensure they have valid identification to avoid this process.
The Authority reminds that those who hold a REAL ID or one of the approved identification documents are not required to use the new system. We emphasize that holders of a US visa (old-generation or ESTA) are not affected by the new procedure.
The main reason for the move is full enforcement of the US REAL ID law, along with the TSA's desire to allow passengers who do not meet the requirements to board a flight, but also not burden the public with the costs involved. It is also a move intended to encourage passengers without identification to register legally.