The Transportation Security Administration has implemented its new alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID. With the new system, air travelers within the United States must either present REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints; or passengers without REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification have the option to use TSA ConfirmID by paying a $45 fee for a 10-day travel period.
TSA urges all air travelers to complete the following three steps prior to any air travel:
- STEP 1: Check your ID – Before heading to the airport, travelers should check that they have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID, such as a passport. If they do not, they would use TSA ConfirmID.
- STEP 2: Use TSA ConfirmID – If travelers do not have an acceptable ID, they would visit TSA.gov/ConfirmID to pay the $45 fee before their trip. They will receive a payment receipt by email from pay.gov.
- STEP 3: Bring the receipt – At the airport, travelers using TSA ConfirmID must show their pay.gov receipt (printed or screenshot) and any government-issued ID to the TSA officer and follow their instructions to complete the process.
TSA’s full list of acceptable forms of ID is at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. Travelers with acceptable forms of ID do not need to use TSA ConfirmID. Passengers unsure if their ID is REAL ID-compliant should check their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.