Summary: TSA Confirm ID is a new, temporary identity verification option at U.S. airports for travelers who arrive without a Real ID or passport. It costs $45, is valid for about 10 days, and may require additional checks that can add 10 to 30+ minutes. TSA says it is not a permanent replacement for official identification and does not guarantee boarding.

TSA Confirm ID is now available at airports in the U.S. as a temporary identity verification option for passengers who show up to fly without a Real ID or a passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the tool is designed for last-minute situations, but travelers should expect extra screening steps that can add time at the checkpoint.

What TSA Confirm ID is and who it is for

According to the report, TSA Confirm ID was introduced earlier this week to help passengers who arrive at the airport without the identification typically required for air travel. It is positioned as a short-term workaround for travelers who may have forgotten their Real ID or passport, rather than a new standard for routine airport identity checks.

Cost, purchase options, and validity period

Travelers can buy TSA Confirm ID online through the TSA website or purchase it at the airport. The fee is $45, and the option is valid for a limited period of approximately 10 days, the article states. The intent is to provide a paid, time-limited path for identity verification when a traveler is in a pinch right before departure.

Extra screening and expected delays at airport security

TSA officials have emphasized that TSA Confirm ID does not remove the need for additional verification. The report notes that the extra checks can take 10 to 15 minutes, and in some cases may extend to 30 minutes or more. For travelers trying to make a flight, that added processing time could create significant pressure—especially during peak travel periods.

  • Price: $45
  • Validity: approximately 10 days
  • Additional verification time: typically 10 to 15 minutes, potentially 30 minutes or more
  • Availability: purchase online via the TSA website or at the airport
U.S. airport TSA checkpoint where travelers present identification for screening and verification
TSA Confirm ID is intended for travelers who arrive without a Real ID or passport, but it may involve additional verification and longer wait times at security.

Not a replacement for Real ID, passport, or other programs

The rollout has led to questions about how TSA Confirm ID compares with existing requirements and programs, including Real ID and TSA PreCheck. The article says travel experts have stressed that TSA Confirm ID should not be treated as a substitute for a Real ID or a passport, and that travelers should not plan future trips assuming it will replace standard documentation.

Boarding is not guaranteed even with TSA Confirm ID

A key limitation highlighted in the report is that having TSA Confirm ID does not guarantee a passenger will be allowed to board. TSA officials have clarified that additional verification is still required, and the outcome is not assured. In practice, this means travelers should treat the option as a last-resort measure rather than a dependable alternative to carrying proper identification.

Practical guidance for travelers heading to U.S. airports

The TSA’s message, as summarized in the article, is that travelers should plan ahead and arrive with the correct documents to avoid disruptions. While TSA Confirm ID may reduce stress for some last-minute situations, it can also introduce delays and uncertainty at the checkpoint because of the extra verification steps involved.

  • Do not rely on TSA Confirm ID for routine travel; it is described as temporary.
  • Expect additional screening time (10 to 30+ minutes) if you use it.
  • Secure a Real ID or passport well in advance to reduce the risk of missed flights.

Why this matters for travelers and the travel industry

For travelers, TSA Confirm ID may offer a paid, short-term fallback when a Real ID or passport is forgotten, but it comes with trade-offs: extra verification, possible delays, and no assurance of boarding. For airports and airlines, the added screening time could affect passenger flow at security during busy periods. The practical takeaway is straightforward—carry the correct identification whenever possible, and treat TSA Confirm ID only as an emergency option rather than a planning tool.