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TSA To Charge $45 Starting Feb. 1 For Travelers Without REAL ID

The program moves identity-verification costs to passengers who arrive without acceptable ID.

Overview

  • ConfirmID offers an optional pathway for passengers who lack a compliant ID to be considered for security screening instead of being turned away.
  • Travelers must pay the $45 fee online before reaching the checkpoint and present the receipt, with the payment valid for 10 days and usable for multiple flights within that window.
  • The system conducts automated biographic and biometric checks against TSA databases, the fee is nonrefundable, and payment does not guarantee clearance.
  • TSA says processing typically takes 10 to 15 minutes but can reach 30 minutes, and those who do not prepay risk delays that could lead to missed flights.
  • The finalized price replaces an earlier $18 proposal, and officials urge travelers to obtain a REAL ID, a passport, or other accepted credentials to avoid fees and delays.