Tag: travel-tips

TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

Original post https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/12/01/tsa-introduces-new-45-fee-option-for-travelers-without-real-id

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it 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.

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.

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)

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.

There it is I copied and pasted it

Minus The Airlines

Ahmar Wolf

With the 10% cut in airline travel starting this week, and with the threat of a total shutdown of all airline travel. I felt it was time I address the issue. I am fully aware a lot of furries count on the airlines. Mainly due to work schedules. As in they can sneak a fur con in when they got the time off.

I am fairly lucky where I live, MFF is not that far away. I take the local public transportation, CTA and PACE. Then Uber back and forth from my hotel. Unfortunately I am not on any of those handy buses routes.

I know many of you can, and do.

Which only leaves getting to the con. I call this article “Minus the Airlines”, because that is a good possibility. By the time MFF rolls around in just a few weeks. There might be nothing flying. Let me make that clear, I am not saying it’s going to happen… but it might.

Then what to do?

I have made it no secret that I love trains. I think train travel is the best, wide seats, food options and if your inclined you can get an adult drink. Are all great.

But I am also fully aware that this is not an option for some, neither are the buses. For all 6′ 2 of me I don’t exactly sit comfortable on a bus. But I do take them when there are no other option. You see I don’t drive, that is a choice, too many aggressive drivers.

So that only lives the final option… DRIVING

Is driving halfway across the country a real option?!!!

For some this maybe the only option.

Look I am not saying change your actual travel plans. But be aware of what is going on in that Looney Bin we call the White House.

I would also advise everyone “Know what your options are”.

If that includes cutting back what cons you see that maybe is another choice.

I was contacted by more than one, telling me they have already cutback. Limiting to cons they can actually drive.

Because we don’t know what those nuts in DC are planning to make our lives worse.