TSA is Launching Alternative for Real ID - For a Fee!

Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will roll out an alternative identity verification program for travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without an acceptable REAL ID or passport.

To help cover government-incurred costs, travelers who opt to use this program will be required to pay an additional fee. This fee is set by TSA at $45 and completing the process does not guarantee checkpoint clearance.

At the airport, all travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.

Those with acceptable forms of ID, including the following, do NOT have to pay this fee or undergo this process; you will simply present your compliant ID as normal and proceed through security:

If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles. NOTE: A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

1. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)

2. U.S. passport or US passport card

3. DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

4. U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents (military ID)

5. Permanent resident card

6. Border crossing card

7. An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

8. HSPD-12 PIV card

9. Foreign government-issued passport

10. Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

11. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

12. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

13. U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

14. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

For more information, please refer to the official TSA page.

As always, Upon a Star Travel Agents are committed to monitoring important travel news and policy changes like these—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

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