Airline travelers who try to pass through security checkpoints without a real ID will be subjected to a new security screening system and pay a new fee of $45.
On Monday, the TSA announced that passengers without real ID or another TSA-approved form of identification have the option of verifying their identity through the 1, 2026 ID verification program.
Those who choose to use TSA Confirm. Show Fee $ 45 – Increase from the announced fee.
“Identity verification is critical to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, smugglers, and illegal egress out of the sky and other pet travel systems like rail,” said Adam Stahl, TSA Deputy Administrator. “The majority of travelers do not bring acceptable identification such as real IDs and passports, but we must ensure that everyone flying is who they say they are.”
What is Quempt.id?
Starting February 1, passengers arriving at US airports will be presented with the TSA Confirm option when reaching TSA check-in and before entering security lines, according to TSA.
“This process will vary from airport to airport, and TSA is working with the private sector to provide online payment options before arriving at the airport,” according to a press release.
According to TSA’s announcement on Registered Badge last month, the proposed system will use a new Kiosk system to verify identification before each incoming traveler or other acceptable method is allowed to pass through a TSA checkpoint.
It is not clear if the kiosks are used in airports.
“Travelers will process through a kiosk system that captures their biometric data and compares it to TSA’s secure viewing watchlists,” said Tom Spagnola, Senior Partner Integration President at Cheapooair.
The approval is valid for 10 days, allowing passengers to travel as much as they want in a 10-day period, Spagnola said.
The fee for the original self-verification program was then set at $18. The TSA did not respond to requests for comment on the price change.
Biometrics use physical features, such as fingerprints, facial recognition software and reudlinal scans to verify identity. The TSA already uses such digital ID verification methods using facial recognition software.
Confirming how it can affect travel
More than 94% of passengers currently use their real ID or other acceptable forms of identification, according to the TSA.
The agency expects increased wait times for passengers who do not provide an acceptable form of ID.
“There will be some delays for travelers who don’t know the money,” Spagnola said. “There can be long lines of travelers waiting to pay their fees.”
In the end, it will be a more efficient experience, a faster experience and a faster process to complete the TSA journey because the new biometric systems enable seamless verification, which means paperwork, he said.
Why is it confirmed?
Confirm. [Kristi] Nom from May 2025, “said the TSA in a statement.” TSA works with stakeholders and partners to ensure safety and efficiency at our checkpoints. “
The new system comes seven months after the TSA last began enforcing its original ID deadline, with mixed results. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, establishing specific requirements for ID issuers to make them more difficult to manage. The law stems from the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government establish a nationwide surveillance of identification. Beginning May 7, travelers planning to board a domestic flight are required to show Federally valid ID or another approved form of identification such as a passport.
A complete list of acceptable forms of identification can be found on the TSA website.
