What to know about Real ID requirements as TSA set to enforce new fee
abcnews.go.com••nation
Key Points:
- Starting February 1, 2026, travelers flying domestically within the U.S. without a REAL ID or other TSA-approved identification will be charged a $45 "TSA ConfirmID Fee" to verify their identity at airport security checkpoints.
- The identity verification process requires passengers to complete an online check via TSA.gov before paying the fee and showing confirmation at the checkpoint; this receipt is valid for 10 days and the process can take 10 to 30 minutes or longer.
- REAL ID is a federally mandated form of identification, marked by a star on the card, required for boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities; all U.S. states and territories issue REAL IDs.
- Alternative accepted IDs at TSA checkpoints include valid U.S
