Montana Travelers Face New TSA $45 Identity Fee

We have been hearing about REAL ID for more than twenty years. It was finally implemented this past May. You need to have a REAL ID, or another form of ID, such as passport or passport card, in order to board a flight or enter federal buildings.  

Back in February, Montana only had a 31% compliance rate for REAL IDs. For those who don’t have a REAL ID or passport, there could be delays while the TSA verifies the identity of the traveler. 

Why Montana’s REAL ID Compliance Remains Low 

On Monday, the TSA announced the implementation of a $45 fee option for travelers. The TSA will refer passengers to use the fee-based Confirm.ID website, which is described as “a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026.” 

How the $45 Identity Fee Works for Travelers

For travelers, the $45 fee will allow the use of Confirm.ID for a 10-day period. The TSA is once again recommending that those who haven’t obtained a REAL ID to make an appointment with their local Department of Motor Vehicles to update their IDs as soon as possible.  

READ MORE: New Montana Mobile ID Promises Fraud Protection

According to the TSA, 94% of passengers are using a REAL ID or another acceptable ID, a much higher compliance rate than Montana’s.  

All travelers without an acceptable form of ID will be referred to the Confirm.ID process to confirm their identity. This process will differ from airport to airport. According to the press release, “TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.”