The TSA just gave forgetful travelers a paid backup plan. Starting February 1, a new option called ConfirmID will let passengers without a REAL ID compliant license verify their identity at the checkpoint for a 45 dollar fee, then continue to their domestic flight. It is fast, official, and it could save a trip. It is also a fee you can avoid with simple prep.
What TSA’s ConfirmID Is, and What It Is Not
ConfirmID is a pay per use identity check at airport security. It is designed for travelers who show up without a REAL ID compliant license. You pay 45 dollars. TSA verifies your identity at the checkpoint. If cleared, you can proceed to your gate for a domestic flight.
You do not need ConfirmID if you have a valid passport, a REAL ID compliant license, or another TSA accepted ID. International travel rules do not change. You still need a valid passport to leave or enter the United States.
ConfirmID begins February 1 and applies to domestic flights only. Bring a passport or REAL ID to avoid the fee and extra time.
How It Works at the Airport
Plan for extra time. ConfirmID happens at the checkpoint, and it adds steps. Here is the flow you can expect.
- Tell the TSA officer you do not have a compliant ID.
- The officer starts the ConfirmID process and checks your details.
- You are directed to pay the 45 dollar fee.
- Once your identity is confirmed, you continue through screening.
The actual verification can involve questions and checks. Time can vary by airport and hour. Busy hubs will feel the squeeze during morning peaks. Give yourself a cushion if you think you might need this.
Do not rely on ConfirmID as your plan. It is a safety net, not a shortcut. Lines and staffing can delay you.
Should You Pay 45 Dollars, or Bring Something Else
ConfirmID makes sense in a pinch. You left your wallet at home. Your license is not REAL ID compliant yet, and you are at the airport now. You have no other TSA accepted ID on you. Paying 45 dollars gets you moving.
If you travel often, the math changes. Repeat fees add up fast. A passport or a REAL ID compliant license is cheaper over time, and quicker at the checkpoint. If you already hold a passport, carry it for domestic trips. It is a powerful backup, and it avoids this fee.
- ConfirmID is a one time lifeline for domestic flights.
- Passports and REAL ID licenses keep you fee free.
- Frequent flyers should upgrade rather than pay again and again.
- Families and groups should plan backups to avoid missed flights.
Travel Tips To Avoid Fees and Delays
Treat your ID like your boarding pass. Build a simple pre trip routine. Pack your passport as a backup, even for domestic trips. Check that the name on your ticket matches your ID. Digital scans or photos do not count at security.
Set a reminder the day before departure. Lay out your wallet, passport, and boarding documents next to your bag. If you use a mobile wallet for your boarding pass, still have a paper copy ready. Power can die at the worst time.
Put a bright luggage tag on your wallet or passport sleeve. It sounds silly, but a pop of color cuts morning stress.
Watch the clock at big hubs. Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles can swell before sunrise and after work hours. Add 30 minutes to your normal airport plan on peak days like Fridays and Sundays. If you are connecting, remember that a tight layover leaves no room for an extra identity check.
Destination Watch, What This Means For Your Next Trip
Domestic travel is running hot ahead of late winter and spring getaways. Think sun runs to Florida and the Southwest, mountain weekends, and city breaks packed with concerts and sports. More crowds mean longer lines, and small delays at security ripple through a trip.
If you are headed to national parks or ski towns, your outbound airport may be calm, but your return through a larger hub could be busy. Bring your passport or REAL ID both ways. Avoid gambling on ConfirmID while moving through unfamiliar terminals.
For event travel, like big game weekends or festival openings, expect higher stress at checkpoints. The 45 dollar option may sound like a fix, but time, not just money, is the real cost. Keep your ID plan tight, and save the fee for a true emergency. ✈️
The Bottom Line
TSA’s ConfirmID, 45 dollars per use, goes live on February 1 as a last line rescue for domestic flyers who arrive without a REAL ID compliant ID. It will save trips, and it will also test patience on busy days. Bring a passport or REAL ID, set reminders, and keep a backup plan in your carry on. Use ConfirmID only when you have to, then get your documents in order before your next flight.
