Atlanta flyers without REAL ID may pay new $45 TSA identity-verification fee starting February 1

A new fee tied to identification checks at the airport

Some travelers departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could soon face a $45 charge at the security checkpoint if they arrive without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of identification accepted for screening.

The fee is scheduled to take effect on Feb. 1, 2026, and is tied to a newer identity-verification pathway known as TSA Confirm.ID. The program is designed as a fallback option for passengers who do not have an acceptable ID available at screening.

How REAL ID rules changed the baseline for domestic flights

REAL ID requirements have already been in force for air travel since May 7, 2025. Under federal rules, passengers ages 18 and older are expected to present either a REAL ID-compliant credential (typically marked with a star on state-issued IDs) or another acceptable form of ID to enter the checkpoint for a domestic flight.

Travelers who do not present compliant identification can be subject to added screening and delays, and may be denied entry to the secure area if identity cannot be confirmed.

What TSA Confirm.ID does — and what it does not guarantee

Starting Feb. 1, 2026, passengers without acceptable identification can attempt to verify their identity through Confirm.ID by paying the $45 fee. The verification, if approved, is valid for a 10-day travel window, which can cover a round trip.

However, paying the fee does not guarantee that identity verification will be successful. If identity cannot be verified, a traveler can still be turned away from the checkpoint.

What travelers should know before heading to ATL

• Arrive earlier than usual if you lack acceptable ID. The identity-verification process can add time at screening and, in some cases, may take as long as 30 minutes.

• Do not rely on temporary paper licenses. In Georgia, interim or temporary paper credentials are not accepted as valid identification for TSA checkpoint screening.

• Bring an alternate ID if you have one. A passport is among the commonly accepted alternatives to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for domestic flights.

Why it matters most in Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson is among the nation’s busiest airports, and even small increases in the number of passengers requiring manual identity verification can slow checkpoint throughput during peak periods. TSA has said the vast majority of travelers already present acceptable identification, but a small share of passengers may still be caught off guard by the new fee and the additional screening steps.

Key dates: REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025; the $45 Confirm.ID fee is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2026.