Why 6% of travelers could soon have to pay $45 for TSA screening
Thousands of travelers every day could have to pay a $45 fee starting Feb. 1 when the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, starts charging passengers to confirm their identity if they don't have a REAL ID-compliant document to present at the security checkpoint.
According to TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeil, 6% of travelers still aren't using REAL ID at airports.
Travelers who don't have compliant documents should use the new ConfirmID process to verify their identity before going to the airport. Those who don't may not be able to board their flights.
What is REAL ID?
Real ID is a standard for state-issued identification documents that went into effect in May 2025. It directs states to verify a person's identity using specific forms of other documentation before issuing IDs like drivers licenses.
REAL ID-compliant documents are now required to enter federal facilities, including TSA checkpoints at airports.
State-issued IDs are the most common form of identification that people present at airports, but they're not the only forms of ID that are accepted under the REAL ID law.
Other acceptable documents are:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID.
- U.S. passport or passport card.
- Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry.
- Permanent resident card.
- Border crossing card.
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
- U.S. War Department ID (formerly the Defense Department), including those issued to dependents.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- HSPD-12 PIV card.
- Foreign government-issued passport card.
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
How can I tell if my drivers license is REAL ID compliant?
The Department of Homeland Security says REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the top portion of the card.
In states like California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear. In other states, a simple golden or black star is added to REAL IDs.
Sample Illinois Real ID
What happens if I don't have REAL ID?
Starting Feb. 1, travelers without REAL ID are encouraged to complete their identity verification before heading to the airport, using the TSA's new ConfirmID process.
It requires a $45 fee and is valid for 10 days after payment.
According to the TSA, use of the ConfirmID process is optional for travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant document to present, but the agency warns that travelers who do not complete it beforehand are at risk of missing their flights.
The TSA also says that enrolling in ConfirmID does not guarantee that an officer will be able to verify your identity, which means you still could be denied boarding your flight.
Who needs to present REAL ID?
All travelers ages 18 and older need to present REAL ID to board domestic flights. REAL ID-compliant drivers licenses are not acceptable alternatives to a passport for boarding international flights, but a passport will allow travelers without a compliant drivers license to board a domestic flight.
Foreign nationals will need to present their passport, passport card or border crossing card to board U.S. domestic flights. Canadian citizens can use their provincial drivers licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY; Reuters
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].
