Michigan travelers who can’t show acceptable Real ID-complaint identification at the airport will soon have to verify their identity for a fee through a service called “TSA ConfirmID.”
Even though Real ID requirements went into effect in May 2025, some travelers haven’t updated their identification to satisfy the requirements. Anyone planning to board a domestic flight or access federal facilities, military bases or nuclear power plants needs Real ID-compliant identification, federal officials say.
Starting on Feb. 1, travelers who still haven’t upgraded their driver’s license or obtained a passport will have the option to verify a non-compliant form of ID for $45, according to a U.S. Transportation Security Administration Jan. 15 release.
“TSA ConfirmID is a fee-based service designed to enhance security and streamline identity verification for air travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID,” TSA said on its website. “TSA ConfirmID ensures compliance with federal security standards and strengthens the safety of air travel by preventing unauthorized individuals, including terrorists, illegal aliens, and other bad actors, from accessing domestic aviation systems.”
As Michigan residents plan February flights, here’s what to know about “TSA ConfirmID,” and ID-compliant alternatives:
What is ‘TSA ConfirmID’?
Starting on Feb. 1, TSA checkpoints in the U.S. will offer a service to travelers who don’t have an ID that satisfies the law’s requirements. This $45 service is a “modernized alternative identity verification,” that takes 10-30 minutes.
How do I pay the ‘TSA ConfirmID’ fee?
Travelers may pay the $45 for themselves or for another traveler through Pay.gov using a valid bank account (ACH), debit card, credit card, Venmo or PayPal. If you already know your ID is not acceptable, TSA recommends travelers to pre-pay online.
Is my passport a Real ID? Alternative forms of ID
Yes, a passport is considered a Real ID, in fact, there are several Real ID compliant alternatives, according to TSA, including:
In addition, an Enhanced ID is compliant, meaning, if your ID card includes a star in a gold circle, the U.S. flag, or the word “ENHANCED,” at the top then it will be accepted as proof of identity to board the plane, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.
What is the difference between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID?
“Michigan’s old license and ID design, which is being phased out by January 2029, features a star in a gold circle to indicate REAL ID compliance,” Michigan’s secretary of state said. “The state’s new license design features a star in a silhouette of Michigan. Both versions of the star are acceptable.”
Here are the two main differences between a standard Real ID and an enhanced ID:
A standard Real ID-compliant licenses will have only a star either in a gold circle, or in a silhouette of Michigan in the top right corner.
“State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants,” the Department of Homeland Security said.
Five states that issue EDL/EIDs — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
Another difference is that the enhanced ID will allow some foreign travel while a simple Real ID license is only for use domestically.
What happens if I have an Enhanced ID, but it doesn’t have a star?
Enhanced IDs with a star or flag are automatically Real ID-compliant because they meet the Department of Homeland Security standards.
“According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA agents at airports will recognize enhanced licenses or enhanced IDs as valid REAL ID documents, even without the star,” the Michigan secretary of state said.
How can you get Real ID in Michigan?
Book an appointment at your local secretary of state office to update your ID. Make sure you have these following documents with you:
You can book an appointment online through the state’s website or call (888) 767-6424.
Who needs a Real ID in Michigan?
Anyone planning to board a domestic flight or access federal facilities, military bases or nuclear power plants needs a Real ID. International travel will continue to require a passport, which also serves as Real ID compliant identification for domestic flights.
When did Real ID take effect?
On May 7, 2025, Michigan residents were officially required to present a Real ID to fly domestically and at federal facilities per the new travel standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005 passed by Congress.
The law means certain federal agencies, like the TSA or the Department of Homeland Security, won’t be allowed to accept state-issued forms of identification that don’t include a Real ID seal.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What is TSA ConfirmID? What to know about new Real ID program
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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