What is the TSA ConfirmID fee and when does it start?

The TSA ConfirmID is a nonrefundable $45 fee for travelers 18+ without REAL ID or accepted ID, starting February 1, 2026.

What forms of identification are accepted instead of REAL ID?

REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification mandated by the May 7, 2025 deadline are required; specifics not detailed but alternatives exist.

How long is the ConfirmID payment receipt valid?

The ConfirmID payment receipt is valid for 10 days and can cover departing and return flights within that period.

How do travelers pay for and use ConfirmID?

Pay online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID using debit, credit, Venmo, or PayPal before arrival; show the email receipt to TSA officers at the checkpoint.

Does paying the ConfirmID fee guarantee boarding?

No, paying the $45 fee does not guarantee boarding; travelers may face additional verification, screening, delays, or miss flights if noncompliant without payment.

4 sources

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23d ago

TSA Begins $45 ConfirmID Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

TSA requires a $45 nonrefundable ConfirmID payment starting Feb. 1 for passengers 18+ who lack REAL ID or other accepted identification.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

The Transportation Security Administration requires a nonrefundable $45 ConfirmID fee for travelers 18 and older without a REAL ID or other accepted ID, effective Feb. 1, Adam Stahl said in a Jan. 15 press release.

The change enforces the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline and shifts verification costs to noncompliant travelers, the agency said after reporting about 94% passenger compliance in a Dec. 1, 2025 press release.

TSA Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Steve Lorincz said the ConfirmID payment receipt is valid for 10 days and may cover departing and return flights within that period.

The agency said the ConfirmID verification can take up to 30 minutes and accepts debit, credit, Venmo and PayPal payments, and travelers should pay online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID before arrival.

TSA said paying the $45 fee does not guarantee boarding and that travelers arriving without acceptable ID and without a ConfirmID payment may face delays that could result in a missed flight.

Written using shared reports from

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources present this neutrally: coverage prioritizes practical guidance (how to pay, acceptable IDs), cites TSA officials and an independent travel expert as source content, and provides compliance stats (94%) and timing expectations. Editorial choices favor balanced, consumer-focused organization rather than loaded language; quotes are presented as source content, not used to push a narrative.

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No REAL ID yet? You can still fly, but it may cost $45 without another form of accepted ID

Associated Press•25d ago

A new $45 fee for travelers without Real ID starts Feb. 1. Here's what to know.

CBS News•25d ago

$45 Fee for Travelers With No Real ID Goes Into Effect Today — Here’s What To Know

People•23d ago

Travelers without a REAL ID are about to be hit with a TSA fee

Fox Business•24d ago

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: The TSA ConfirmID is a nonrefundable $45 fee for travelers 18+ without REAL ID or accepted ID, starting February 1, 2026.
Sources:
Fox Business
: REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification mandated by the May 7, 2025 deadline are required; specifics not detailed but alternatives exist.
Sources:
Fox Business
: The ConfirmID payment receipt is valid for 10 days and can cover departing and return flights within that period.
Sources:
Fox Business
: Pay online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID using debit, credit, Venmo, or PayPal before arrival; show the email receipt to TSA officers at the checkpoint.
Sources:
Fox Business
: No, paying the $45 fee does not guarantee boarding; travelers may face additional verification, screening, delays, or miss flights if noncompliant without payment.
Sources:
Fox Business

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