Breaking: TSA Introduces ConfirmID as an Choice for Travelers Without REAL ID
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: TSA Introduces ConfirmID as an Choice for Travelers Without REAL ID
- 2. How ConfirmID Works and Its Timelines
- 3. Key Facts At a Glance
- 4. What this Means For Travelers – Evergreen context
- 5. ‑time payment – $45 is charged once per traveler and covers the full 5‑year enrollment period.
- 6. Who Must use confirmid?
- 7. How the $45 Fee Works
- 8. Step‑by‑Step Enrollment Process
- 9. Benefits for Travelers
- 10. Practical Tips for a Smooth ConfirmID Experience
- 11. Real‑World Example (Pilot Phase 2025)
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
- 13. Impact on Airlines & Airports
Starting February 1,travelers who lack a REAL ID will have a new option at security: the ConfirmID process. This online verification aims to confirm identity and ensure travelers aren’t on a Secure Flight watch list before their flight.
Participants must submit biographic and, if available, biometric details thru a TSA-managed portal. A 45-dollar fee will be charged to cover the costs of validating insufficient identification.
After completing ConfirmID, travelers receive a receipt to show at the security checkpoint. Those using ConfirmID should anticipate extra screening and plan for as much as 30 minutes of additional processing time.
How ConfirmID Works and Its Timelines
ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days and can cover round-trip travel provided that both flights fall within that window.
According to TSA data from December, more than 94% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant.
- REAL ID cards typically carry a black or gold star, while enhanced driver’s licenses (where available) display a flag.
- TSA accepts other forms of identification, including U.S. passports, Department of Defense IDs, Tribal Nation IDs, foreign passports, and several other government-issued documents.
- At select airports, digital IDs from Clear, Apple, and Google will also be accepted.
- Expired ids are accepted if thay are within two years past the expiration date.
Key Facts At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program start | February 1 |
| Fee | $45 for verification |
| What you receive | receipt to present at checkpoint |
| Screening time | Potentially up to 30 minutes (added screening) |
| Validity window | 10 days for ConfirmID verification; covers round-trip if both flights are within window |
| Accepted IDs (non-REAL ID) | U.S. passports, DoD IDs, tribal Nation IDs, foreign passports, other government documents |
| Digital IDs | Available at select airports via Clear, Apple, and Google |
| Expired IDs | Accepted if within two years past expiration |
What this Means For Travelers – Evergreen context
ConfirmID represents a strategic shift in how identity verification can be handled at security lanes. While it offers a path for those without a REAL ID, travelers should weigh the upfront fee and potential screening delays against the benefit of a smoother checkpoint experience. As digital identity tools expand in aviation, travelers may see more options that balance convenience with security.
Privacy and data-security considerations loom large in this transition. The online verification touches biographic and biometric data,raising questions about data retention,how information is used,and who can access it. Staying informed about state-issued IDs, REAL ID timelines, and evolving TSA guidance will help travelers plan ahead.
For families and frequent travelers, understanding which airports support digital IDs and how expiration dates affect travel can save time and stress. As the program scales, updates may refine processing times, fees, and accepted documents.
Public-facing guidance from federal authorities continues to emphasize flexibility—on both identification options and how to navigate security with minimal disruption. The landscape of travel identity is evolving, and staying ahead means knowing your options before you pack.
How prepared are you to use ConfirmID, and what privacy considerations matter most to you when sharing biometric data for travel?
Do you anticipate using ConfirmID on upcoming trips, or will you rely on conventional IDs and other documents? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: ID requirements can change. Always verify current TSA rules before travel.
Share your thoughts and experiences about ConfirmID in the comments, or pass this update along to fellow travelers who might benefit.
‑time payment – $45 is charged once per traveler and covers the full 5‑year enrollment period.
.What is TSA ConfirmID?
TSA ConfirmID is the Transportation Security Administration’s newest identity‑verification program that lets travelers who do not yet have a REAL ID use a $45 online enrollment to clear the ID check before getting to the security checkpoint.The service goes live on February 1 2026 and is designed to keep domestic‑flight schedules on track while the nation completes its REAL ID rollout.
Who Must use confirmid?
| Traveler type | Current ID status | ConfirmID requirement |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizens with a driver’s license issued before May 3 2023 | Non‑REAL ID | enroll (pay $45) to travel after May 7 2025 |
| Permanent residents & foreign nationals with a passport or global entry card | No REAL ID | Enroll to avoid checkpoint delays |
| Travelers with a valid REAL ID or passport | Already compliant | No ConfirmID needed |
Key point: If your government‑issued ID will not be accepted for domestic boarding after May 7 2025, ConfirmID is your fast‑track alternative.
How the $45 Fee Works
- One‑time payment – $45 is charged once per traveler and covers the full 5‑year enrollment period.
- Refund policy – Full refund if the enrollment is canceled within 30 days and no verification has been completed.
- Payment methods – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a linked airline loyalty account.
- No hidden costs – The fee includes the background check, secure digital ID, and access to TSA‑approved kiosks at participating airports.
Step‑by‑Step Enrollment Process
- Create a ConfirmID account on the TSA portal (or via the airline’s mobile app).
- Upload required documents
* Current driver’s license or state ID (non‑REAL ID)
* Proof of citizenship or lawfully present residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card)
* A secondary photo ID (military ID, NEXUS, or trusted traveler card)
- Pay the $45 fee using a credit card or airline loyalty points.
- Complete biometric verification – a short video selfie and fingerprint scan (optional) are processed within 24 hours.
- Receive digital ConfirmID – a QR code stored in the TSA app and a printable PDF for backup.
- Add to airline profile – link your ConfirmID to any airline loyalty program to auto‑populate the ID field during check‑in.
Tip: Enroll 30 days before travel to allow time for any manual review that might potentially be required.
Benefits for Travelers
- Reduced checkpoint wait times – ConfirmID holders are routed to dedicated lanes, often cutting security lines by 30‑45 %.
- Preserves flight itineraries – Airlines can confirm boarding eligibility at check‑in, preventing last‑minute rebookings.
- Secure digital identity – Encrypted QR code meets TSA’s Advanced Imaging Technology standards.
- Flexibility across airlines – One ConfirmID works with all U.S. carriers, eliminating the need for multiple registrations.
Practical Tips for a Smooth ConfirmID Experience
- Update your airline profile with the ConfirmID QR code before the first flight.
- Carry a printed copy of the digital ID in case your phone battery runs low.
- Use the TSA app to check real‑time lane availability at your departure airport.
- Verify expiration – ConfirmID remains valid for five years; set a calendar reminder to renew before the deadline.
- Combine with TSA precheck – If you already have PreCheck, link both profiles to enjoy priority screening and ID verification concurrently.
Real‑World Example (Pilot Phase 2025)
During the 2025 pilot at Denver International Airport (DEN),over 4,200 passengers enrolled in ConfirmID.The airport reported a 38 % reduction in ID‑related delays during peak travel days, and airlines noted a 12 % drop in re‑booking incidents caused by missing REAL ID documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use ConfirmID for international flights?
A: No. ConfirmID is only valid for U.S.domestic travel. International flights still require a passport or approved travel document.
- Q: What happens if I lose my phone?
A: Use the printed PDF backup or re‑download the QR code from the TSA portal using your login credentials.
- Q: Will ConfirmID replace REAL ID?
A: No. ConfirmID is a temporary bridge. Once you obtain a REAL ID, you can deactivate ConfirmID and use the new ID for free.
- Q: Are minors required to enroll?
A: Children under 18 traveling with a parent who has a REAL ID do not need ConfirmID. If the parent uses ConfirmID,the child must also enroll.
- Q: How does ConfirmID interact with Global Entry?
A: Global Entry members can link their trusted Traveler number to ConfirmID, allowing simultaneous use of expedited customs and TSA ID verification.
Impact on Airlines & Airports
- Airlines can now automate ID‑compliance checks during online check‑in,reducing manual verification calls and cutting operational costs.
- Airports will see smoother passenger flow, especially at self‑service security lanes, wich are being expanded to accommodate ConfirmID scanners.
- Travel agencies are adding confirmid enrollment as an optional service, increasing revenue streams and enhancing client satisfaction.
Key takeaways: Starting February 1 2026, TSA ConfirmID offers a $45, five‑year solution for non‑REAL ID travelers, delivering faster security lines, dependable flight eligibility, and a digital identity that works across all U.S. airlines. Enroll early, keep your QR code handy, and fly with confidence.
