Media Advisory                                                                                                      January 21, 2026

Alabama travelers without REAL ID will have to pay a $45 fee starting February 1

Airline passengers who do not have REAL ID compliant identification after Saturday, Jan. 31 at Alabama airports must pay a $45 fee for identity verification before they get to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The fee covers the cost of a modernized alternative identity verification system, called TSA ConfirmID. The verification will cover a 10-day travel period, so travelers who plan their return flight within that 10-day period will the pay once for both flights.

WHAT: TSA will host a press conference to discuss TSA ConfirmID and the importance of presenting a REAL ID compliant identification at airport checkpoints to avoid the $45 fee.

TSA representatives will provide helpful information for travelers in need of REAL ID Act compliant IDs, facilitate photos and B-roll, conduct interviews and answer questions.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in front of the checkpoint

WHO: TSA Federal Security Director Tara Corse

TSA Spokesman Gervais Joubert

MEDIA DETAILS:
• Please RSVP by Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to gervais.joubert@tsa.dhs.gov.
• Media must present valid press credentials and comply with airport security protocols.