Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented a new identity verification procedure for travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification. Passengers who do not have acceptable identification may be referred to TSA ConfirmID, a verification process that may allow them to continue through screening after payment of a $45 fee.
According to TSA guidance, the ConfirmID process is intended as a temporary alternative for travelers who cannot present valid identification at the checkpoint. TSA continues to advise passengers that carrying an approved form of identification remains the most efficient way to avoid delays and additional screening.
Who May Be Affected
The updated procedure may apply to travelers who arrive at a TSA checkpoint without an accepted form of identification, including individuals who:
- Do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- Present a non-compliant license or identification card
- Forget, lose, or cannot access an approved photo ID before travel
In these situations, travelers may be directed to complete the TSA ConfirmID verification process before proceeding through airport security.
Accepted Forms of Identification
Travelers may avoid additional screening steps by presenting a TSA-approved form of identification, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs
- U.S. passports and passport cards
- DHS Trusted Traveler Program cards, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
- Military identification cards and dependent IDs
- Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards)
- Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC)
- Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
- Certain federally recognized tribal identification cards and other approved federal IDs
Temporary driver’s licenses are generally not accepted for TSA screening purposes.
What Travelers Can Expect Under ConfirmID
Travelers who use the ConfirmID process may encounter:
- Additional identity verification procedures
- A $45 processing fee
- A temporary 10-day travel authorization period
- Longer wait times at security checkpoints
- An increased possibility of delays or missed flights during high-volume travel periods
TSA has also encouraged travelers who anticipate needing this process to complete payment online before arriving at the airport when possible.
TSA Recommendations for Travelers
TSA has encouraged passengers to take the following steps before traveling:
- Obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card
- Schedule DMV appointments early due to increased demand
- Carry a valid passport or another accepted form of ID while traveling
- Avoid relying on ConfirmID except when necessary
Although many travelers already meet REAL ID requirements, passengers without acceptable identification may experience additional screening and processing delays.
Key Takeaway
TSA ConfirmID is intended to function as a backup identity verification process rather than a replacement for approved identification. Travelers who arrive at the airport without acceptable ID may still be permitted to fly, but only after completing additional verification steps, paying applicable fees, and potentially experiencing delays.
For individuals and organizations that rely on frequent domestic or international travel, reviewing identification requirements in advance may help reduce interruptions and avoid unnecessary complications at airport security checkpoints.
To discuss how travel documentation requirements and related updates may affect your situation, contact the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC at 630-262-1435 or email jacki@lentinivisas.com.
