MA Travelers Without REAL ID To Face New Fee Starting Feb. 1

Massachusetts domestic air travelers 18 and older who haven’t gotten their REAL IDs or other other acceptable identification will begin paying a $45 “ConfirmID” fee on Feb. 1.

The Transportation Security Administration says the fee is designed to recover administrative costs associated with additional screening, including database checks, knowledge-based questions or biometrics.

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The additional screening can take 10 to 30 minutes, according to the TSA. Fees can be prepaid at pay.gov to speed up the process. There’s no guarantee it will be able to confirm the identification of all travelers, though.

The ConfirmID is good for 10 days from the date of travel. Using the ConfirmID is optional, but the TSA warns that non-REAL ID-compliant travelers who don’t use it may not be allowed through security and may miss their flights.

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REAL ID cards, which have been required since May, are still encouraged. These state-issued license or identification cards were mandated following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The deadline to acquire one was originally scheduled for 2008, but the deadline was repeatedly postponed.

To get a REAL ID in Massachusetts, you must make an appointment for an in-person visit at an RMV Service Center or AAA branch, if you're a member. You also must present identity documents:

• 1 proving you're in the U.S. legally
• 1 proving your full 9-digit social security number
• 2 proving you live in Massachusetts

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REAL ID documents must be originals and they can not be laminated. Your current name must match the one on your documents. If it does not, you must present documents proving you changed your name, like a marriage certificate or other court document.

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The Department of Homeland Security says about 94 percent of the air-traveling population is REAL ID compliant, meaning they’ve either gotten the updated driver’s licenses or have some acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, military identification or permanent resident card. TSA also accepts digital IDs through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet at more than 250 airports in the U.S.

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