Airline passengers flying out of Kentucky airports who do not have REAL ID compliant identification by February 1 will have the option to pay a $45 fee to go through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint using TSA ConfirmID, the agency said in a news release.
TSA ConfirmID, a modernized identity verification system, is an option available to travelers who have lost their ID or do not possess a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport. For a $45 fee, TSA ConfirmID enables travelers to verify their identity before arriving at the security checkpoint, with the process typically taking 10 to 15 minutes, though it may require 30 minutes or more in some cases. The verification will cover a 10-day period.
“Those who do not want to pay the $45 fee for the modernized ID verification still have time to get their REAL ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID,” said Ray Williams, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Kentucky. “While most travelers provide acceptable identification, it is our responsibility to confirm that passengers are who they claim to be. TSA ConfirmID is vital for strengthening security and protecting travelers nationwide, ensuring the safety of our skies and transportation systems.”
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Beginning Feb. 1, Kentucky travelers without an acceptable ID are encouraged to visit the TSA ConfirmID program fee site and pay the $45 fee prior to travel. Passengers will need to have a printed or electronic copy of the receipt to show the Transportation Security Officer verifying identification at the airport checkpoint.
In Kentucky, 96 percent of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification. For passengers who do not use a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, TSA expects the wait times will increase when TSA ConfirmID goes into effect.
TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id or text 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or @AskTSA with questions.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
