TSA Implements New REAL ID Requirement with $45 Fee for Domestic Travel
If your pre-flight checklist includes snacks, headphones, and a boarding pass—but not a Real ID—you might be in for an expensive surprise at the airport. Starting next month, travelers will need to have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative to board domestic flights without incurring additional costs.
What Is the New TSA Rule?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a significant update to identification requirements for domestic air travel. Beginning February 1, passengers who do not possess a REAL ID or an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, may be subject to a $45 fee. This fee is for identity verification through the TSA ConfirmID process.
"Starting February 1, if you don’t have a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID (like a passport!) for domestic flights, you may pay a $45 fee to verify your identity through @TSA ConfirmID," the TSA stated in its official announcement.
Acceptable Alternatives to Avoid the Fee
Travelers can avoid this fee by presenting alternative forms of identification. A passport card, which costs $30, or a passport book are both accepted as REAL ID alternatives for domestic air travel. However, it is important to note that a passport card cannot be used for international air travel; for that, a passport book is required.
"A passport card ($30) or passport book are both accepted REAL ID alternatives for domestic air travel and can help you avoid this fee, but just remember that a passport card cannot be used for international air travel (you'll need a passport book for that)," the TSA added.
Fee Structure and Validity Period
The standard fee for the TSA ConfirmID process is $45. However, for trips lasting more than 10 days, the Illinois Secretary of State has indicated that the fee could increase to $90. Once approved, the identity verification is valid for 10 days. After this period, travelers without a REAL ID or passport would need to pay the fee again if they plan to travel.
Process and Time Requirements
According to the TSA, the identification process typically takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes, but it could extend to 30 minutes or more in some cases. To avoid potential delays or missing flights, officials strongly advise travelers to complete the verification process before arriving at the airport.
"TSA recommends paying ahead of time to avoid delays or missing your flight," the agency emphasized. The fee can be paid through a computer or mobile device at the airport, but cash payments are not accepted.
Steps to Pay the $45 Fee
If travelers need to complete the process at the airport, they must exit the security line to make the payment. In addition to the $45 fee, individuals will be required to provide their legal name, address, and date of birth for the ConfirmID verification. After completing the process, travelers must return to the end of the security screening line and present their receipt.
Who Is Affected by This Rule?
This fee applies to any individual attempting to board a domestic flight without one of the TSA's acceptable forms of identification. However, there is an exception for children under 18 years old. The TSA has clarified that children do not need ID for domestic flights as long as they are accompanied by someone who is 18 years or older.
List of Acceptable IDs for Domestic Flights
As of May 7, 2025, a regular, hard-copy driver's licence or state ID will no longer be acceptable for boarding planes. The following IDs are considered acceptable at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights:
- Real ID State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Apple Digital ID from the state of Illinois
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign govt-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's licence or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorisation Card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Clear ID
Travelers are encouraged to review this list and ensure they have the proper identification before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary fees and delays.
