Valley flyers face new Real ID deadline
TSA Will Charge $45 Fee for Travelers Without Real ID Starting February 1
Valley travelers, the countdown is on. Starting February 1, anyone flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor or any U.S. airport without a Real ID or valid passport will face a $45 fee just to get through TSA security.
The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out its new ConfirmID process, which allows travelers lacking compliant identification to pay for alternative identity verification. The catch? It takes time and money that most people would rather spend on overpriced airport coffee.
Jerry Agnew, TSA Federal Security Director for Arizona, explained that the process involves answering knowledge-based questions specific to each traveler. Completing ConfirmID before arriving at the airport takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but waiting until you reach the checkpoint could mean delays of up to 30 minutes.
The good news is that one $45 payment covers a 10-day window. Travelers with round-trip flights within that period only pay once. Payment options include bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo through Pay.gov.
The Real ID Act was signed back in 2005 under President George W. Bush but faced years of delays before finally taking effect in May 2025. Currently, more than 94 percent of passengers already travel with compliant identification, so this fee primarily affects those who have put off the upgrade.
For Arizona residents, obtaining a Real ID is straightforward through any MVD office. You will need proof of identity, citizenship, Social Security number, and two documents showing your Arizona address.
With major events like the WM Phoenix Open bringing thousands of visitors through our airports soon, now is the time to check that your ID has the star marking it as Real ID compliant.