TSA Encourages Montana Travelers to Have a REAL ID or Other Acceptable Form of ID Before Flying to Avoid Paying $45 Fee

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminds passengers flying out of Montana airports who do not have a REAL ID-compliant identification now have the option to pay a $45 fee to go through the TSA checkpoint using TSA ConfirmID, the agency’s new modernized identity verification system.

The $45 fee allows passengers to use TSA ConfirmID for 10 calendar days from the date of travel listed on the receipt. Passengers are encouraged to complete the payment process on pay.gov prior to arriving at the airport and will need to show a printed or electronic copy of the receipt to the transportation security officer verifying identification at the airport checkpoint. The process typically takes 10-15 minutes, although it may require 30 minutes or more in some cases.

“While most travelers provide acceptable identification, it is our responsibility to confirm that passengers are who they claim to be,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Montana Kc Wurtsbaugh. “TSA ConfirmID is vital for strengthening security and protecting travelers nationwide, ensuring the safety of our skies and transportation systems.”

TSA ConfirmID launched nationwide on Feb. 1 and is designed to strengthen identity verification and further enhance aviation security by closing long-standing gaps in ID standards. Nationally, 95-99% of travelers are presenting REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints.

TSA urges all air travelers to complete the following three steps prior to any air travel: 

TSA’s list of acceptable forms of ID can be found at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id or text 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or @AskTSA with questions.

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