Travelers flying out of Vero Beach Regional Airport now have a new safety net if they arrive for a flight without their driver’s license or passport. As of February 1, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a new program called ConfirmID at federalized airports nationwide, including our local hub here in Vero Beach.
This new service is designed specifically for passengers who realize they do not have an acceptable form of identification—such as a REAL ID or a passport—on hand when they arrive to travel. While it comes with a fee, it provides a crucial backup plan for residents who might otherwise miss their flights due to lost or forgotten wallets.
What is ConfirmID?
ConfirmID is a fee-based service that allows travelers to verify their identity through the TSA without presenting a physical ID card at the security checkpoint. The service costs $45 and serves as a temporary solution for identity verification.
According to TSA Florida spokesperson Daniel Velez, passengers who know they lack acceptable ID should utilize this service and pay the fee before arriving at the airport to streamline the process. Once purchased, the ConfirmID verification is valid for use for 10 days from the travel date listed on the receipt.
It is a fee-based service, which means you can pay $45 to have your identity confirmed through TSA before going through airport security. The identification process takes about 10-15 minutes, but it could take 30 minutes or more.
How the Process Works
For Vero Beach residents planning to use this service, preparation is key. The verification process can be completed before leaving for the airport or upon arrival, though travelers should budget extra time. While the typical processing time is 10 to 15 minutes, it can extend to 30 minutes or longer depending on circumstances.
To utilize ConfirmID, you must be able to provide the following information:
Once the payment is processed, you must present either a printed or electronic copy of your receipt to the TSA officers at the checkpoint.
Payment Methods and Restrictions
It is important to note that cash is not accepted at the airport or by TSA officers for this service. All payments must be routed through Pay.gov.
Acceptable payment methods include:
Interestingly, the program allows for someone other than the traveler to make the payment, provided the traveler has the proof of payment receipt in hand at the checkpoint.
Context Regarding REAL ID
This service comes as the United States continues to transition toward full REAL ID enforcement. A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets stricter federal security standards established by Congress following the September 11 attacks. While Florida has been issuing these secure IDs for years, residents who have not yet upgraded their licenses or who simply misplaced them now have ConfirmID as a viable, albeit paid, alternative to ensure they can still make their flights out of Vero Beach.
