The new rule applies to all travelers flying within or from the United States. Passports remain fully valid alternatives for domestic flights.
The U.S. Department of State announced that beginning February 1, 2026, travelers who do not present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification at airport security will be required to pay a $45 fee to use the Transportation Security Administration’s backup identity-verification system, TSA Confirm ID.
The charge applies to all passengers flying domestically or departing from U.S. airports, marking one of the most significant policy shifts since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005.
Officials emphasized that the fee is intended to offset the operational cost of TSA’s alternative verification procedures, which use biometric checks, secure databases, and manual identity authentication when travelers cannot present federally compliant ID.
PASSPORT BOOKS & PASSPORT CARDS REMAIN VALID ALTERNATIVES
The State Department reminded travelers that they may use:
- A U.S. passport book (valid for domestic & international travel)
- A U.S. passport card ($30; valid only for domestic air travel and some land/sea crossings)
Both documents fully satisfy TSA requirements and avoid the $45 Confirm ID fee.
Travelers using noncompliant state licenses or IDs will be directed to the TSA Confirm ID line, where the additional charge will be collected before identity verification proceeds.
