Yes, it is possible to get through TSA without an ID, but as of February 2026, the process has become much more regulated. If you arrive at the airport without a valid ID (due to loss or theft), you can use the TSA ConfirmID service. This requires you to pay a $45 fee (non-reimbursable) and complete a digital verification process to attempt to prove your identity through public record databases. You must also undergo an enhanced physical screening, including a thorough pat-down and a manual search of all your carry-on property. It is important to note that REAL ID enforcement officially began in 2025; if you have an ID but it is not REAL ID-compliant (marked with a star), you will also be required to use the $45 ConfirmID process or present an alternative like a passport. TSA recommends arriving at least 3 hours before your flight if you are using this identity verification method, as it involves significant paperwork and wait times that vary by airport volume.
The Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to the United States.