TSA To Introduce $45 Confirm.ID Fee across US Airports On February 1, 2026, To Revolutionize Identity Verification and Ensure Faster Security Screening At Hartsfield-Jackson, LAX, and More: Why You Need To Know About This Now

Published on December 6, 2025

Beginning on February 1, 2026, TSA will implement a $45 Confirm.ID fee at all U.S. airports, including major hubs like LAX and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, in an effort to transform identity verification. By utilizing facial recognition and automated verification in place of laborious manual checks, this new system is intended to guarantee quicker security screening. In order to avoid lengthy delays at crowded airports, travelers without Real ID-compliant identification will be able to swiftly verify their identity. Travelers must be aware of this new service in order to ensure a more seamless and effective experience at security checkpoints, especially during the busiest travel seasons due to the increased demand for travel.

Beginning February 1, 2026, a new identity-verification system, Confirm.ID, will be rolled out across U.S. airports to assist travelers who do not have an acceptable Real ID. This $45 service is designed to reduce travel disruptions, particularly during peak travel times at major hubs like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Real ID Compliance and Its Importance

The Real ID Act, which came into effect in May 2025, mandates that passengers present enhanced identification, such as an enhanced driver’s license, passport, or Global Entry card, before passing through security at U.S. airports. This regulation aims to improve security and prevent fraudulent identification from being used to board flights.

Currently, travelers who do not have a qualifying ID are sent to a separate verification area at security checkpoints. There, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers manually verify their identity through a series of questions and checks coordinated with the National Transportation Vetting Center. However, this process is time-consuming, resource-intensive, and prone to delays, especially during busy travel periods.

Confirm.ID: A Streamlined Digital Solution

The introduction of Confirm.ID will replace the manual verification process with a more efficient, automated system. This new technology allows TSA to quickly verify the identity of travelers who lack Real ID-compliant documentation. Passengers will answer targeted identity questions, and in some cases, provide a facial scan for additional verification. The TSA expects the identity verification process to take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on checkpoint wait times and the traveler’s information.

Confirm.ID is being introduced to alleviate strain on TSA resources and improve the passenger experience, particularly at high-traffic airports. By automating the verification process, TSA aims to minimize delays and ensure a smoother flow of passengers through security.

How the Confirm.ID Fee Works

To ensure seamless travel, passengers who know they lack a Real ID before arriving at the airport can submit their information and pay the $45 fee online in advance. For those who realize they do not have the correct identification upon arrival, they will be directed to a separate area where they can scan a QR code to pay the fee and begin the identity verification process before returning to the security line.

A single $45 payment will remain valid for 10 days, meaning that travelers can use the service for multiple flights within that period. This approach is designed to accommodate round-trip travel and reduce the need for multiple charges. However, TSA clarifies that the fee does not guarantee screening approval. If a traveler’s identity cannot be verified, they will not receive a refund and may face additional screening procedures before being allowed to board their flight.

What Travelers Can Expect with Confirm.ID

Though Confirm.ID is intended to streamline the verification process, passengers who opt for the system may still face extended wait times due to the identity verification steps involved. While Confirm.ID is an optional service, travelers without a Real ID will not be able to access secured areas of the airport without undergoing the verification process.

TSA continues to encourage passengers to update their identification ahead of their flight to avoid unnecessary delays, fees, and complications. It is expected that fewer than six percent of travelers will need to use Confirm.ID, as the majority will have the required identification by the time the Real ID enforcement begins in 2026.

Fee Collection for Operational Costs

The Confirm.ID fee is designed to cover the operational costs of the new system and ensure that taxpayers are not responsible for financing this additional service. By charging travelers who use the system, TSA can manage the costs associated with operating Confirm.ID without impacting public funding.

A Step Toward Seamless Travel Experience

Confirm.ID represents a significant shift in how TSA will manage passenger identification at U.S. airports. This change aims to improve efficiency, reduce operational strain, and minimize disruptions at security checkpoints, especially during peak travel seasons. While Confirm.ID will streamline the process, travelers are strongly encouraged to ensure they are traveling with Real ID-compliant identification in advance to avoid delays and additional fees.

As the deadline for full Real ID enforcement draws closer, passengers are urged to update their identification documents and familiarize themselves with the new requirements. While Confirm.ID offers a solution for those who forget or lose their Real ID, preparation remains the most reliable way to avoid delays at the airport.

Starting February 1, 2026, TSA will roll out a $45 Confirm.ID fee at major U.S. airports like Hartsfield-Jackson and LAX to revolutionize identity verification and speed up security screening. This system will streamline the process for travelers without Real ID-compliant identification, reducing delays and improving efficiency, especially during busy travel periods.

The introduction of Confirm.ID marks an important operational change for the TSA, as the agency moves closer to full Real ID enforcement in 2026. The system’s primary aim is to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of identity verification at airport security checkpoints. However, while Confirm.ID will simplify the process for travelers without the required documentation, passengers are encouraged to proactively ensure they have Real ID-compliant identification in hand. Early preparation is the best way to avoid additional fees and potential disruptions to travel plans.