Feb. 2, 2026
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched TSA ConfirmID, which allows passengers unable to provide REAL ID compliant identification to provide additional information and pay a $45 fee, after which TSA will attempt to confirm their identification prior to their flight.
Since May 7, 2025, passengers of commercial flights, including Part 135 charter flights conducted under the Twelve Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), are required to have identification that meets REAL ID requirements. All states, plus the District of Columbia and all five U.S. territories, now issue REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards.
This program is not currently available for passengers of flights subject to TFSSP or DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), though NBAA is actively working with the agency to expand applicability of this program and seek other alternatives to REAL ID requirements. Passengers or operators of these flights can access the TSA REAL ID website to learn how to verify a REAL ID compliant document.
“As the TSA’s enforcement of REAL ID requirements grows, the agency is releasing new tools to the public for those without a REAL ID driver’s license or a valid passport,” said Doug Carr, NBAA’s senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability and international affairs. “NBAA is working with the TSA to provide options for passengers without REAL ID in order to minimize flight disruptions.”
Other forms of identification considered REAL ID compliant and acceptable for flight include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
- U.S. military ID (active duty, retiree and reserve)
- Permanent resident card or other official U.S. government-issued IDs
- Foreign government-issued passport (if applicable)
- Border crossing card, for certain travelers from neighboring countries
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card (Personal Identity Verification)
Minors are not required to present identification and REAL ID requirements do not apply to Part 91 flights.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.