Minnesotans Flying After Saturday May Owe The TSA Money

If you are flying after this weekend, which also sees the calendar flip from January to February, you might owe the TSA some money. Starting on Sunday, if you are flying without an approved ID, you will be charged to get through security. Here's what we know.

$45 To Get Through Security Without A 'REAL' ID

If you still haven't gotten a REAL ID and you plan on flying domestically, it's going to cost you starting Sunday. The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport sent out a reminder this week about the new charge to get through security if you don't have the right ID.

"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a new process to give travelers without a REAL ID form of identification a new option to fly, involving a $45 fee. The fee-based option, called Confirm ID, starts Sunday, Feb. 1." - MSP Airport

Participation In ConfirmID Is Voluntary

According to the TSA website, participation in the new program, which is called ConfirmID, is voluntary, but if you don't participate and choose to go through security without the right ID, you might be denied access and have to find a different way to get to your destination.

"Using TSA ConfirmID is optional. If you choose not to use it and don't have an acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight." - TSA

What ID You'll Need To Fly Domestically

If you don't have a REAL ID an Enhanced ID will also be accepted by TSA as one of the accepted types starting on Sunday. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, other accepted forms of ID will allow you to fly domestically, in addition to the Enhanced Driver's License and REAL ID.

• Another federally-approved form of identification, which includes:
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

How Many Minnesotans Have REAL ID?

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, more than 50% of residents have a REAL ID.

Get our free mobile app

"Minnesota began issuing REAL ID licenses and identification cards on Oct. 1, 2018. As of Jan. 2, 2026, 50.43 percent of Minnesotans have REAL ID."

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA