By now, many of you are aware of what a Real ID is. Enforcement began on May 7, 2025. As of early 2025, TSA reported that roughly 80% of travelers who passed through checkpoints were Real ID-compliant. Knowing this highlights the importance of being prepared, so you can avoid extra screening and travel smoothly. If you are not compliant, you will be required to undergo additional screening, such as removing shoes or swabbing luggage, and show a paper card to TSA agents.
Starting on February 1st, TSA is rolling out TSA ConfirmID, giving travelers without a Real ID or alternative identification a new option to fly. The fee for this option is $45. TSA ConfirmID is valid for 10 days. The steps for this new program seem straightforward.
- Go to TSA ConfirmID and pay the fee before your flight
- Show payment confirmation to the TSA agent
- Screenshot
- Or email receipt
- Follow their instructions to complete ID verification
- TSA utilizes Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to verify identity at checkpoints by scanning physical/digital IDs and, optionally, facial recognition. You can read more about this technology here
- This process could take anywhere between 10-15 minutes but could take up to 30 minutes.
According to TSA, those who do not have a Real ID or have paid the TSA ConfirmID fee will face additional delays, which could result in a missed flight. Make sure you pay the fee in advance or get yourself a Real ID/alternative identification. Here is a list of alternatives
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