TSA to offer $45 ‘Confirm ID’ option for travelers without a Real ID

By Matthew Young, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson Eric Guthier, during a Tuesday news conference at West Virginia International Yeager Airport, discussed enforcement of the Real ID Act, as well as the TSA forthcoming identity-check option.  

“Real ID rules are in effect,” Guthier said. “Every passenger needs to have an acceptable ID. If you have a state-issued driver’s license or state ID, that needs to be Real ID-compliant.”

Congress passed “The Real ID Act” in 2005, with the goal of creating security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards which also meet the requirements of the federal government. As explained by the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “The Real ID card contains a ‘gold star,’ indicating that it meets REAL ID Act requirements for nationwide federal use at airports and other designated federal facilities.” 

The Real ID Act took effect on May 7 of this year, and requires all domestic airline passengers to be in possession of a Real ID in order to fly. However, as of February 1, 2026, the TSA will be offering those without a Real ID an additional option.

“There is a new program we’ll be debuting in February, called ‘TSA Confirm ID,’” Guthier said. “This is a fee-funded program. It’s $45 for passengers who, for whatever reason, find themselves at the checkpoint without an acceptable ID, they’ll be able to use a new modern alternate identity verification system to be able to get themselves through the checkpoint.”

While Guthier declined to elaborate upon the specific steps of the verification process as security measures can vary by both location and situation, he did recommend that travellers anticipate spending a significantly longer amount of time at checkpoints.

According to the West Virginia DMV, approximately 63% of West Virginians have acquired a RealID, putting the Mountain State just slightly ahead of the national average. 

“Of course the best thing to do right now, before February 1, if you don’t have a Real ID and you think you might be traveling, is to get an appointment at your local DMV to get that Real ID,” Guthier noted. 

Real IDs must be obtained in person, and residents must provide a birth certificate, and any pertinent name-change documentation. 

Joining the conference to provide tips for holiday travel, was Transportation Security Officer Casey Sizemore, who said, “If you are traveling with presents this holiday season, the nature of the mission sometimes requires us to open these to resolve alarms.”

According to Sizemore, the TSA recommends that passengers do not wrap presents before traveling, but rather suggests that presents be placed in gift bags with tissue paper.

“That way we can resolve our alarm, put it back, and you can continue on your journey with your items undisturbed,” Sizemore added.

Another item Sizemore advises travelers to be cautious of is snow globes, as they contain liquid that would typically be above the allowed carry-on amount of 3.4 ounces. 

“The general rule is if you can spill it, spread it, or spray it, it constitutes a liquid,” Sizemore said, noting that this also applies to items such as jams, jellies and apple butter. 

“It’s better to put these in a checked bag so that you can minimize your delays at the checkpoint,” Sizemore added.