CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ALERTS TRAVELERS: NEW TSA FEE TAKES EFFECT FEBRUARY 1 FOR THOSE WITHOUT REAL ID

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

February 1, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ALERTS TRAVELERS: NEW TSA FEE TAKES EFFECT FEBRUARY 1 FOR THOSE WITHOUT REAL ID

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) alerts Virgin Islands residents and all travelers that beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee for those arriving at airport security checkpoints without proper identification. This is a nationwide policy affecting all U.S. airports. The fee will apply to travelers aged 18 and older who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other TSA-approved form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.

TSA ConfirmID is a voluntary, paid service that uses biometric data and federal databases to verify a traveler's identity. The non-refundable $45 fee must be paid through Pay.gov and is valid for 10 days from the travel start date entered during payment. If you travel after the 10-day expiration, you must pay the fee again. While travelers can access Pay.gov on their mobile device at the airport, TSA strongly recommends paying in advance to avoid significant delays.

Important details travelers should know:

• Accepted forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, U.S. passports, passport cards, and other TSA-approved forms of identification.
• TSA ConfirmID is voluntary. However, without it or acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and could miss your flight.
• Bring a printed or electronic copy of your TSA ConfirmID payment receipt to show at the checkpoint.
• Payment must be made through Pay.gov using a valid bank account (ACH), debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Cash is not accepted.
• Payment of the ConfirmID fee does not guarantee clearance through security. If identity cannot be confirmed, you may not be allowed through security.
• The identity verification process at the checkpoint takes an average of 10-15 minutes but could take more time.

"I want to ensure that Virgin Islands residents are aware of this change well in advance so they can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected fees or travel disruptions," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Thanks to the dedicated work of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles, residents can obtain REAL ID-compliant licenses. I strongly encourage anyone planning to travel to verify their identification is valid."

Virgin Islands residents can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license at their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by appointment only. For more information about REAL ID requirements, visit bmv.vi.gov.

St. Thomas BMV Office: 4605 Tutu Park Mall - Suite 231, (340) 774-4268

St. Croix BMV Office: 10065 Industrial Park, (340) 713-4268

St. John BMV Office: Government Complex, Cruz Bay, (340) 776-6262

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