REAL ID & TSA ConfirmID: the 2026 rules, the $45 fee, and what to do
No REAL ID? The $45 TSA ConfirmID fee, 10-day window rules, checkpoint screening, and cost comparison vs getting a REAL ID. Dated and primary sourced.
On this page · 7 sections
What is the REAL ID domestic flight enforcement requirement?
Under 6 CFR Part 37, mandatory federal REAL ID enforcement took effect May 7, 2025 across all U.S. commercial airport checkpoints. Standard state driver’s licenses marked "Not for Federal Identification" or "Federal Limits Apply" are not accepted as standalone identification for commercial flights.
How do you identify a compliant REAL ID card across states?
Compliant cards feature a federal security marking in the upper-right corner: a gold or black star cutout, a star inside a circle (California, Texas, Florida), a state silhouette enclosing a star (Utah, Maryland, Pennsylvania), or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) marking from NY, MI, MN, VT, or WA.
What federal identification alternatives fly without a REAL ID?
Approved federal documents bypassing REAL ID requirements include: U.S. and foreign passports, DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), U.S. Department of Defense IDs, Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards), Tribal photo IDs, HSPD-12 PIV credentials, TWIC cards, and state EDLs.
How does TSA ConfirmID work for passengers without compliant ID?
Launched February 1, 2026, TSA ConfirmID charges a non-refundable $45 fee covering a 10-day travel window. Passengers must pay online in advance, bring a receipt, and undergo 10–30+ minutes of secondary database and biometric screening. Boarding is not guaranteed if verification fails.
What are the identification rules for minors under age 18?
TSA does not require travelers under 18 to present identification when flying domestically with an accompanying adult who possesses compliant ID. International travel mandates valid passports for all passengers regardless of age.
What did NOT change about airport screening rules in 2026?
The 3-1-1 liquids rule (100 ml / 3.4 oz containers inside a single 1-quart bag) remains strictly enforced across all U.S. commercial checkpoints. Spare lithium batteries and portable power banks remain carry-on only and prohibited from checked baggage under FAA regulations.
Foire aux questions
Can I fly domestically without a REAL ID in 2026?
Yes, but only if you present an approved federal alternative (such as a valid passport or military ID) or enroll in the $45 TSA ConfirmID program. You cannot board commercial domestic flights presenting solely a non-compliant state driver’s license marked "Federal Limits Apply".
What exactly is TSA ConfirmID and how much does it cost?
TSA ConfirmID is an optional, fee-based identity verification program costing $45.00 that allows travelers without acceptable ID to undergo database and biometric verification at airport checkpoints for a 10-day travel window.
How long is the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee valid?
The fee covers an active identity verification window of 10 consecutive calendar days. A round-trip flight completed within 10 days requires only a single $45 payment.
Can I pay the $45 ConfirmID fee at the airport?
You must pay in advance online through TSA’s payment portal and bring your printed or electronic receipt to the checkpoint. TSA is working with private partners to expand online payment methods.
Does paying the ConfirmID fee guarantee that I can board?
No. If TSA database and biometric queries fail to conclusively verify your identity, you will be denied checkpoint access and will miss your flight. The $45 fee is non-refundable.
Can I use an expired driver’s license at TSA checkpoints?
Yes. TSA screening guidance allows state driver’s licenses and identification cards expired up to two years (24 months) past the expiration date to be accepted for identity verification.
Can I use a temporary paper driver’s license to fly?
No. Temporary paper licenses, interim driving permits, and paper receipts lack required security features and are not acceptable for bypassing ConfirmID or clearing security without secondary verification.
Do children and teenagers under 18 need a REAL ID?
No. TSA does not require minors under 18 to present photo identification when flying domestically within the United States with an accompanying adult who possesses compliant ID.
Can you fly with an outstanding warrant at TSA checkpoints?
TSA checkpoint screeners verify traveler identity against federal aviation security databases (such as No-Fly and Selectee lists) rather than local civil warrant registries. However, law enforcement officers stationed at airport checkpoints will arrest individuals if an active criminal warrant is identified during law enforcement referrals or identity verification disputes.
Can I fly domestically with an expired passport?
Yes. Official TSA policy accepts expired U.S. passports and state-issued driver’s licenses for domestic commercial flight identity verification up to one full year (12 months / 365 days) past the printed expiration date. Passports expired beyond one year cannot serve as primary checkpoint identification.
Can I fly with a U.S. Passport Card instead of a REAL ID?
Yes. A U.S. Passport Card is an official federal REAL ID-compliant identity credential issued by the U.S. Department of State. It is fully accepted for all domestic commercial air travel at every TSA security checkpoint, as well as land border crossings and sea ports of entry.
Can I fly with an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) without a star?
Yes. State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington meet federal REAL ID standards under 6 CFR § 37.11 and are legally accepted at all airport security checkpoints, even if they feature a flag or state seal instead of a star marking.
Can I fly with a digital ID on my phone?
Yes, at participating airports. TSA accepts digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and approved state identity apps at select CAT-2 biometric checkpoints. However, TSA mandates that passengers must always carry physical ID cards as a required backup.