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Identification and Documentation Requirements

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See what you need to know before you go!

TSA ConfirmID Begins on Feb. 1, 2026 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will roll out the new modernized TSA ConfirmID starting Feb. 1, 2026, giving travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification a new option to fly. For a $45 fee, travelers can use this optional alternative identity verification system that provides access to air travel for those who need it.

The following information is from our partners at the United States Department of Homeland Security for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you have any other questions about screening or REAL ID requirements you can reach out to TSA on their website, @AskTSA on Facebook, or @AskTSA on Twitter. If you have questions on passport control and documentation required for entry into the United States, you can contact the US Embassy or CBP's Customer Service Team.

Read more information on Real ID FAQs

Don’t have a Real ID or acceptable ID? TSA ConfirmID $45 fee begins February 1, 2026.

If you are unable to provide the required acceptable ID, such as a passport or REAL ID, you can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA will then attempt to verify your identity so you can go through security; however, there is no guarantee TSA can do so.

Using TSA ConfirmID is optional. If you choose not to use it and don't have an acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight. Fraud or other criminal activity regarding this process will be processed under federal penalties.
Please double check your information, including your travel start date, and email before you submit payment
The $45 fee can only be paid through Pay.gov.
Keep the confirmation email as proof of payment, take a screenshot or print the receipt to show at the TSA checkpoint
Each adult 18 or older without an acceptable ID must complete the TSA ConfirmID process separately
If you are paying for another traveler, the name on the payment card does not have to match the traveler’s name.
At the TSA checkpoint, show a printed or electronic copy of your TSA ConfirmID receipt from your email to a TSA officer to begin the identity verification process.
The fee lets you use TSA ConfirmID for 10 days from the date of travel listed on the receipt

Learn more about TSA ConfirmID

What’s the latest on the Real ID Act?

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card. For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.

If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026.

Find more information on REAL ID

Are you ready for REAL ID?

Take the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) REAL ID quiz to ensure you have the correct identification for air travel.

How do I get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID?

Choosing the right ID depends on your travel needs. An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) allows you to fly around the U.S. and travel by land and sea into bordering countries. A passport allows you to fly within the U.S. and around the world.

Washington state residents can follow these steps for an EDL or EID.

See what documents you need for an EDL or EID
Make an appointment with the DOL.

What if I don’t have a REAL ID yet?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began enforcing this new ID law for air travel at security screening checkpoints on May 7, 2025. If you try to go through security without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you may still be allowed to fly ─ but there’s no guarantee. At the very least, TSA officers will give you a warning letter and clear verbal direction to obtain proper identification as soon as possible. Read through the TSA’s info on acceptable identification. Eventually, there will be no exceptions to this requirement. Beginning on February 1, 2026, all travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA ConfirmID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport. Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

What forms of identification are accepted for TSA Screening?

IDs for screening generally need to be government-issued with a photo to help confirm your identity. Usually, airlines don't require a form of ID for boarding and just want a boarding pass, but contact your airline to see if they have any specific requirements.

What are acceptable forms of REAL ID?

Enhanced driver’s license (EDL)
Enhanced identification card (EID)
U.S. passport or passport card
U.S. military ID
Permanent resident card (Green card)
Foreign passport
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization card (1-766)
Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID
Border crossing card

If you have any other questions about screening or REAL ID requirements you can reach out to TSA on their website, @AskTSA on Facebook, or @AskTSA on Twitter.

Is an ID required for children under 18?

Children under 18 do not need to provide identification for TSA screening when traveling within the United States. No birth certificates or social security cards are needed for flying! Airlines don't require a form of ID for boarding and just need a boarding pass. You can contact your airline to see if they have any specific requirements for children. Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

Read more information on Travel Guidance for Minors

Do I need a REAL ID for SEA Visitor Pass?

People using SEA Visitor Pass are required to present a REAL ID to proceed through TSA security screening.

Can I travel with a standard driver’s license?

TSA identification requirements state that as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.

Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.

Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.

When can I use a passport? When can I use a driver’s license?

The form of identification you need will vary depending on where you're arriving from or traveling to:

If you're coming from an international destination to the U.S.: You'll need a passport
If you're arriving domestically from within the U.S.: Passports as well as other forms of ID are accepted. There is a variety of accepted forms of ID. TSA's website shows all the forms of identification that are accepted. IDs for screening generally need to be government-issued with a photo to help confirm your identity.

Can I use an expired driver’s license for TSA screening?

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for REAL ID compliant forms of identification.

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