WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Chronicle

 As of Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, U.S. air travelers who show up at airport security without a REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted ID now face a $45 fee to verify their identity through the Transportation Security Administration’s new ConfirmID system. The policy change is aimed at shifting the cost of extra screening to travelers rather than taxpayers — but it also introduces new hurdles for those who haven’t upgraded their IDs.

What’s changed?
Under long-standing federal requirements tied to the Real ID Act of 2005, people flying domestically were supposed to present a REAL ID — a driver’s license or state ID with enhanced security features — or another accepted form of government ID, such as a passport or permanent resident card. Enforcement of that requirement was repeatedly delayed, but as of 2025, all adults flying within the United States must have compliant identification or undergo additional checks.

Before this week, travelers who didn’t have a compliant ID could still be screened manually at no extra cost — often with a warning. Starting Feb. 1, however, the TSA is now charging those passengers $45 for its ConfirmID identity verification process, which verifies a traveler’s identity for a 10-day travel period.

Who now pays the $45 fee?
Anyone 18 or older flying domestically who does not present a REAL ID or another accepted ID — such as a passport, DHS trusted traveler card, federal or military ID, or certain tribal IDs — must pay the fee to go through ConfirmID if they still want to board their flight.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to pay the fee online before arriving at the airport and bring proof of payment to avoid delays. The TSA says the ConfirmID process can take 10–30 minutes or more if done onsite, increasing the risk of missing a flight.

Why it matters for travelers and taxpayers
For many families — especially those planning last-minute trips for school breaks, visiting relatives, or medical travel — the added fee can be an unexpected expense. Unlike fines, this isn’t a penalty; it’s a cost tied to additional security screening.

What North Carolina travelers need to know
North Carolinians planning flights should check whether their driver’s license or state ID is REAL ID-compliant. REAL IDs are marked with a star at the top of the card; standard licenses without that marking do not meet the federal standard.

Broader context and next steps
This policy shift marks a key transition in how airport security IDs are enforced nearly two decades after the Real ID Act was passed in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.