TSA to sock it to travelers who show up without acceptable ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing an alternative to “acceptable” identification.

For years, the government has demanded that Americans update their identification for travel with what they deem to be an “acceptable form” of ID. But now, anyone with $45 can get around these requirements thanks to TSA Confirm.ID, which will be rolling out on February 1.

“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026,” the agency confirmed in an official statement. “Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.”

According to the TSA, acceptable forms of ID include:

REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
U.S. Passport
U.S. Passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

“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,” the agency explained, adding that “94% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification.”

Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA, Adam Stahl, stressed the need for proper identification for those boarding flights and engaging in other kinds of travel.

“Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail. The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process. This fee ensures that the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights,” he said.

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Sierra Marlee

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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.

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