Forgot Your ID? TSA’s New ConfirmID Program Can Help

January 6, 2026
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Travel days don’t always go as planned. Between early alarms, busy terminals, and last-minute packing, it’s surprisingly easy to arrive at the airport and realize your ID didn’t make the trip with you.

To help in situations like this, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is launching a new, modernized identity verification option designed to make the process smoother for travelers who arrive without an acceptable form of identification.

Introducing TSA ConfirmID

Launching February 1, 2026, TSA’s updated alternative identity verification program is known as TSA ConfirmID.

This technology-enabled program provides additional methods of identity verification beyond what TSA has offered in the past. The goal? To reduce the time and complexity involved in confirming a traveler’s identity while allowing TSA to assist more passengers when ID issues arise.

Who Is TSA ConfirmID For?

TSA ConfirmID is intended for travelers who arrive at a security checkpoint without an acceptable form of identification, such as:

  • A REAL ID
  • A passport
  • Another TSA-approved ID

If you do have a valid passport or other acceptable ID, you can simply use that document — there’s no need to use TSA ConfirmID in those cases.

How the Program Works

If you choose to use TSA ConfirmID at the checkpoint:

  • TSA will collect biographic and/or biometric information
  • Your identity is securely verified and matched against the Secure Flight watch list
  • Each use requires a successful identity confirmation, even if you’ve already used the program recently

This modernized approach helps streamline identity verification, though it’s important to note that additional screening or brief delays may still occur.

Program Fee: What to Know

TSA ConfirmID is a fee-funded program, with a cost of $45 per individual. Here’s how it works:

  • The fee is non-refundable
  • It covers multiple uses within a 10-day period
  • If you use the program more than once during those 10 days, you won’t be charged again
  • Even within that period, identity must be successfully confirmed each time

The fee is designed to recover TSA’s full service costs over a five-year period, ensuring the program remains sustainable while benefiting travelers who use it.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

While TSA ConfirmID can be extremely helpful, there are a few key points travelers should understand:

  • Paying the fee does not guarantee that your identity will be confirmed
  • It also does not guarantee access to the secure (sterile) area of the airport
  • TSA will not issue refunds, even if identity verification is unsuccessful or access is denied
  • TSA anticipates some travelers may use (and pay for) the program more than once over time
  • In certain situations, TSA may limit repeated use if a traveler consistently fails to present an acceptable form of ID

Because of this, many travelers may find that using TSA ConfirmID once is a strong reminder to obtain and travel with an acceptable ID in the future.

TSA urges all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the required $45 fee online before traveling. For passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for the TSA ConfirmID option will be available at marked locations at or near the checkpoint in most airports. Travelers who undergo TSA ConfirmID processing at an airport should expect delays. Please note that the payment portal will become available on February 1, 2026.

A Smart Backup — Not a Replacement

TSA ConfirmID is best viewed as a safety net, not a substitute for proper identification. Having a REAL ID or passport remains the easiest and fastest way to get through airport security.

Travel Tip ✈️

Before your next trip:

  • Double-check your wallet or travel pouch for your ID
  • Consider keeping your passport in a dedicated travel spot
  • Build a quick “day-of-travel” checklist to avoid last-minute stress

Travel hiccups happen — but with TSA ConfirmID launching February 1, 2026, forgetting your ID doesn’t have to end your journey before it begins. Safe travels!