The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing a significant new charge for air passengers who fail to carry the correct identification. From 1 February, any traveller aged 18 or over who does not possess a Real ID-compliant licence or another accepted form of ID will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $45 (approximately £35) to clear security.
What is the TSA Confirm.ID process?
Passengers without the proper identification will not be turned away immediately but will be directed to an alternative verification system. They will be referred to the TSA's Confirm.ID process, a secondary identity check. This procedure is not a simple quick fix; officials warn it can take 30 minutes or longer to complete at the airport, potentially causing major delays.
The $45 charge covers a single 10-day travel period. This means the fee is valid for both outbound and return flights if they occur within that ten-day window. The TSA strongly advises travellers who know they will need to use Confirm.ID to prepay the fee online beforehand to minimise disruption and waiting times at the security checkpoint.
A last resort with no guarantee
It is crucial for passengers to understand that this payment is strictly a last-resort option. The TSA emphasises that paying the fee does not guarantee entry through security. If agents cannot conclusively verify a traveller's identity using the Confirm.ID system, they retain the right to deny access, with the fee remaining non-refundable.
Background of the Real ID Act
This move represents the next phase in the full enforcement of the Real ID Act, which sets stricter standards for state-issued identification. The law's implementation was subject to multiple delays, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before finally coming into full effect in May 2025. The Real ID requirement is now standard for accessing federal facilities, including commercial aircraft.
For British nationals and other international visitors travelling within the United States, a valid passport remains an acceptable alternative to a Real ID. However, US citizens and residents are urged to check their driver's licences for a star marking, which indicates Real ID compliance, to avoid the new charge and ensure a seamless journey.
