Don’t have a Real ID? What to know about TSA ConfirmID, fee

Michigan vacationers who can’t current acceptable Actual ID criticism identification on the airport will quickly be required to confirm their id for a payment by a service referred to as “TSA ConfirmID.”

Though the Actual ID necessities went into impact in Could 2025, some vacationers haven’t up to date their identification to satisfy the necessities. Anybody planning to board one domestic flight or entry federal facilities, military bases, or nuclear power plants requires Actual ID-compliant identification, federal officers say.

Beginning February 1, vacationers who haven’t but upgraded their driver’s license or obtained a passport may have the choice to verify non-compliant ID for $45based on a Jan. 15 U.S. Transportation Safety Administration launch.

“TSA Confirmation ID is a fee-based service designed to enhance safety and streamline id verification for air vacationers who would not have an appropriate type of identification,” TSA mentioned on its web site. “TSA ConfirmID ensures compliance with federal safety requirements and strengthens the security of air journey by stopping unauthorized people, together with terrorists, unlawful aliens and different unhealthy actors, from getting access to home aviation techniques.”

As Michigan residents plan flights for February, here is what it is advisable to learn about ‘TSA ConfirmID’ and ID-compliant alternate options:

What’s ‘TSA Affirmation ID’?

Beginning February 1, TSA checkpoints within the US will supply a service to vacationers who would not have ID that meets the regulation’s necessities. This $45 service is a “Modernized Various Id Verification” that takes 10-Half-hour.

How do I pay the ‘TSA ConfirmID’ charges?

Vacationers will pay the $45 for themselves or for one more traveler Pay.gov utilizing a legitimate checking account (ACH), debit card, bank card, Venmo or PayPal. For those who already know your ID is just not acceptable, TSA recommends that vacationers pay prematurely on-line.

Is my passport an actual ID? Various types of ID

Sure, a passport is taken into account a Actual ID. There are even a number of Actual ID-compatible alternate options, based on TSA, together with:

• American passport
• US passport card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Playing cards (World Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Division of Protection ID, together with IDs issued to dependents
• Border crossing map
• An appropriate photograph ID issued by a federally acknowledged tribal nation/Indian tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Passport issued by the international authorities
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Identification information of the transport worker
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Companies Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• American Service provider Mariner reference
• Veterans Well being Identification Card (VHIC)

Moreover, an Enhanced ID is compliant, which means in case your ID card has a star in a gold circle, the American flag, or the phrase “ENHANCED” on the high, will probably be accepted as proof of ID to board the plane. US Department of Homeland Security mentioned.

What’s the distinction between a Actual ID and an Enhanced ID?

“Michigan’s outdated license and ID design, which shall be phased out in January 2029, features a star inside a gold circle to point REAL ID compliance,” the Michigan Secretary of State mentioned. “The state’s new license design features a star in a Michigan silhouette. Both model of the star is suitable.”

These are the 2 foremost variations between a regular Actual ID and an enhanced ID:

• Enhanced IDs can be utilized rather than a U.S. passport for land or sea journey from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
• Enhanced IDs are marked with an American flag icon on the entrance. (some IDs have each the star and the American flag)
• Enhanced IDs embody the title “ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE”

A regular Actual ID compliant license will solely have a star in a gold circle, or in a silhouette of Michigan within the higher proper nook.

“State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses and identification playing cards (EDL/EID) are designated by DHS as acceptable paperwork for border crossing below the Western Hemisphere Journey Initiative and are an appropriate different to a REAL ID for boarding a business plane, accessing federal amenities, and coming into nuclear energy vegetation,” the Division of Homeland Safety mentioned.

Five states that concern EDL/EIDs – Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.

One other distinction is that the Enhanced ID permits some journey overseas, whereas a easy Actual ID license is for home use solely.

What occurs if I’ve an prolonged ID, nevertheless it would not have a star?

Enhanced IDs with a star or flag are mechanically Actual ID compliant as a result of they meet Division of Homeland Safety requirements.

“In line with the US Department of Homeland Security“TSA brokers at airports will acknowledge enhanced licenses or enhanced IDs as legitimate REAL ID paperwork, even with out the star,” the Michigan Secretary of State mentioned.

How are you going to get Actual ID in Michigan?

Make an appointment together with your local secretary of state to replace your ID. Be sure to have the next paperwork with you:

• Your present Michigan driver’s license or ID.
• A sound, unexpired US passport, beginning certificates or different proof of legal presence document.
• A licensed authorized title change doc, in case your title is completely different from what seems in your beginning certificates.

You’ll be able to have one appointment online by the state web site or name (888) 767-6424.

Who Wants a Actual ID in Michigan?

Anybody planning to board one domestic flight or entry federal facilities, military bases, or nuclear power plants wants actual ID. For worldwide journey, a passport will proceed to be required, which additionally serves as Actual ID-compliant identification for home flights.

When did Actual ID come into impact?

On Could 7, 2025, Michigan residents had been formally required to current an actual ID to fly domestically and at federal amenities, below new United States journey requirements. REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted by Congress.

The regulation signifies that sure federal companies, such because the TSA or the Division of Homeland Safety, might not settle for state-issued IDs that don’t comprise a Actual ID stamp.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com