WASHINGTON- Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States (US) will introduce a new mandatory service for travelers who arrive at airport security without an acceptable Real ID.
TSA will roll out Confirm.ID, a $45 identity-verification system designed to prevent travel disruptions at busy hubs such as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Real ID Compliance
Real ID rules, which came into effect in May 2025, require passengers to present an enhanced driver’s license, passport, Global Entry card, or other federally approved identification.
TSA currently moves travelers without a qualifying ID to a separate verification area where officers attempt to confirm their identity through manual questioning and checks coordinated with the National Transportation Vetting Center.
This system is both time-consuming and resource-heavy, limiting its capacity during peak travel periods.
Confirm.ID will replace this manual procedure with a streamlined digital process. Travelers will answer targeted identity questions, and in some cases, provide a facial scan, allowing TSA to verify the information through automated systems.
TSA expects the in-airport process to take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the traveler’s information and checkpoint wait times.
How the Fee Works
Passengers who already know they lack a Real ID can submit their information and pay the $45 fee online before arriving at the airport.
Those who realize the issue onsite will be directed to a separate area where they will scan a QR code, complete the payment, and begin identity verification before returning to the security line. TSA notes that implementation may vary slightly across airports during the initial rollout.
A single Confirm.ID payment will remain valid for a 10-day period, allowing travelers to board multiple flights within that window. This design accommodates typical round-trip itineraries and reduces unnecessary repeat charges.
However, TSA emphasizes that payment does not guarantee screening approval. Travelers whose identities cannot be verified will not receive refunds and may still face enhanced screening procedures.
What Travelers Should Expect
Even with modernized tools, passengers rely on Confirm.ID may experience extended wait times and additional screening measures.
The system is optional, but those who choose not to participate will be denied access to secured areas without a Real ID.
TSA continues to encourage travelers to update their identification ahead of scheduled flights to avoid unnecessary costs and delays associated with the new verification model.
TSA expects that fewer than six percent of travelers will need Confirm.ID, but the agency states the fee ensures operational costs are covered by the traveler rather than the taxpayer.
Bottom Line
TSA’s $45 Confirm.ID fee marks a significant operational shift as the agency prepares for full Real ID enforcement across all U.S. airports.
The automated system is expected to reduce strain on checkpoint resources and provide a structured alternative for travelers who forget or lose their identification.
While streamlined, the program does not replace the need for compliant ID, making early preparation the most reliable way to avoid delays at the airport.
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