Industry Insights

TSA to Launch Confirm.ID for Travelers Without REAL ID

December 10, 2025

Amid record air travel, Airlines for America (A4A) wants to ensure that all travelers head to the airport with a REAL ID or plan to participate in TSA’s Confirm.ID effective February 1.

For adult passengers traveling without a REAL ID, passport or other valid identification, Confirm.ID offers a modernized and secure process to confirm their identity before flying.

What to Know: 

• Cost: A non-refundable $45 payment is required to use Confirm.ID.
• Validity: The fee covers a 10-day travel period, allowing round-trip or multiple flights within that window.
• Pre-Payment: To reduce wait times, TSA strongly recommends paying the fee online before arriving at the airport.
• At the Airport: TSA advises passengers using Confirm.ID to expect up to 30 minutes of additional processing time.

Confirm.ID provides a secure alternative for travelers who may not have compliant identification, but travelers are encouraged to take the following proactive steps:

• Check your ID now: REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification have been available for some time, and many travelers may already meet the new security standards. In most states, compliance is easy to spot — REAL ID cards are marked with a star.
• How to get your REAL ID: If you don’t yet have one, visit your local DMV website to review the specific requirements for obtaining a REAL ID in your state.
• Plan ahead: If you anticipate needing Confirm.ID, pre‑pay the $45 fee online to save time at the checkpoint.
• Stay prepared: Download your airline’s app for real‑time updates and pack patience for busy travel days.

U.S. airlines are proud to partner with TSA in advancing programs that balance security, efficiency, and passenger experience. Confirm.ID is another important step in modernizing air travel and ensuring millions of Americans can continue to fly safely and confidently.

Reminder: If you do not have a REAL ID, these alternate forms of identification are acceptable:

• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including 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)

The TSA can update this list and make changes so be sure to visit TSA.gov for the most up to date information.