An American Airlines jet aircraft at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM.
Beginning today, travelers arriving at airport security checkpoints without proper identification will face a new $45 fee, a nationwide change that V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett is urging Virgin Islands residents to prepare for well in advance.
Plaskett said the Transportation Security Administration will begin implementing a TSA ConfirmID fee for individuals who do not present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport. The policy applies at all U.S. airports and affects travelers 18 years of age and older.
The TSA ConfirmID program is a voluntary, paid service that allows travelers without acceptable identification to attempt identity verification using biometric data and federal databases. The non-refundable $45 fee must be paid through Pay.gov and is valid for 10 days from the travel start date entered during payment. Travelers who attempt to use the service after the 10-day window must pay the fee again.
While payment can be made at the airport using a mobile device, TSA strongly recommends paying in advance to avoid significant delays at security checkpoints.
Travelers should be aware that participation in TSA ConfirmID does not guarantee clearance through airport security. If a traveler’s identity cannot be confirmed, they may not be allowed through the checkpoint and could miss their flight. The identity verification process takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes, but may take longer depending on circumstances.
TSA-approved identification includes REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, passport cards, and other approved forms of identification. Travelers who do not present acceptable ID and do not use TSA ConfirmID may be denied access to security screening altogether.
Additional requirements for travelers using TSA ConfirmID include bringing either a printed or electronic copy of the payment receipt to present at the checkpoint. Payment must be made through Pay.gov using a valid bank account (ACH), debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Cash payments are not accepted.
“I want to ensure that Virgin Islands residents are aware of this change well in advance so they can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected fees or travel disruptions,” Plaskett said. “Thanks to the dedicated work of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles, residents can obtain REAL ID-compliant licenses. I strongly encourage anyone planning to travel to verify their identification is valid.”
Virgin Islands residents seeking to avoid the TSA ConfirmID fee can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Applications are by appointment only. Additional information on REAL ID requirements is available at bmv.vi.gov.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles operates offices at the following locations:
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St. Thomas BMV Office: 4605 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 231, (340) 774-4268
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St. Croix BMV Office: 10065 Industrial Park, (340) 713-4268
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St. John BMV Office: Government Complex, Cruz Bay, (340) 776-6262
Plaskett stressed the importance of advance planning to ensure smooth travel and avoid unnecessary costs or delays at airport security checkpoints.
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