The Transportation Security Administration announced a proposal to implement an $18 fee for air travelers who arrive at security checkpoints without a REAL ID or other approved identification. The new rule marks the latest phase in the federal government’s long-delayed enforcement of identification standards mandated by Congress in 2005, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. After numerous postponements spanning almost two decades, the REAL ID requirement finally began being enforced at airports nationwide on May 7, 2025.
“This notice serves as a next step in the process in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary Noem as of May 2025,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement to CNN, adding that “TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints. Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days.”
Biometric Verification System To Replace Manual Identity Checks
The proposed $18 fee would fund what the TSA describes as a “modernized alternative identity verification program” utilizing biometric technology to confirm travelers’ identities at security checkpoints. The non-refundable fee would cover costs associated with implementing new technology to verify passengers’ identities when they don’t present a REAL ID-compliant license or an approved alternative identification, such as a passport.
For travelers who pay the fee, the TSA would grant access to security checkpoints for 10 days, potentially allowing passengers to complete round-trip travel without incurring multiple charges. The TSA characterizes the current manual verification methods as “time and resource intensive,” necessitating the new approach and accompanying fee structure, as reported by USA Today.
However, the agency has clearly stated that paying the fee does not guarantee access to the secure areas of airports. The notice indicates that individuals verifying their identity through this alternative process “may be subject to additional screening or experience delays” even after payment. Additionally, the TSA reserves the right to deny checkpoint access to travelers who repeatedly arrive without proper identification.
Real ID Acceptable Identification
The REAL ID requirement mandates that travelers in the United States have a compliant driver’s license or other approved identification document to pass through airport security checkpoints. According to the TSA’s official website, acceptable forms of identification include REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses (typically marked with a star on the card), U.S. passports or passport cards, DHS Trusted Traveler cards such as Global Entry, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and several other federally issued identification documents.
