Travelers who forget their IDs at home will soon face a $45 fee to attempt boarding their flights, as the Transportation Security Administration rolls out its new ConfirmID program starting February 2026.
The TSA announced that beginning February 1, 2026, passengers arriving at security checkpoints without REAL ID or other acceptable identification will need to pay for the chance to verify their identity through alternative means — with no guarantee they’ll be cleared to fly.
“TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly,” Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of deputy administrator for TSA, said in a statement.
Extra Hurdles, Extra Time
Forgot your license? The new program won’t just cost you money — it’ll cost you time. Travelers using ConfirmID will face additional identity verification steps and enhanced screening procedures that could significantly delay their journey through security.
Those who arrive without proper identification and haven’t paid the $45 fee risk even longer delays or potentially missing their flights altogether. “To avoid delays or missed flights, all travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport,” Stahl warned.
Why the fee? According to TSA officials, the $45 charge ensures that travelers who fail to comply with identification requirements — not taxpayers — bear the financial burden of the additional screening resources required.
Shifting Costs
The introduction of this fee represents a notable shift in how the TSA handles non-compliant travelers. Previously, those without proper identification could still attempt to verify their identity through alternative means without paying extra.
Stahl explained that the fee is designed to place the financial responsibility on those who don’t follow the rules, rather than having taxpayers subsidize the extra screening measures these situations require, as reported by Fox Business.
Is this just another travel headache in the making? Critics might see it as yet another fee in the already expensive world of air travel, while supporters could view it as a reasonable approach to encourage compliance with identification requirements that ultimately enhance security.
The TSA continues to recommend that all air travelers obtain REAL ID-compliant identification well before the new program takes effect, noting that while ConfirmID offers a last-resort option, it comes with no guarantees that travelers will ultimately be cleared to board their flights.
