TSA to Charge $45 Fee for Passengers Without Real ID

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Starting in February, travelers who arrive at the airport without a Real ID may face a $45 fee to fly under a new enforcement policy by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The TSA’s goal with this rule is to ensure that all passengers are traveling with valid identification. In a statement announcing the rule, Adam Stahl, the TSA’s acting deputy administrator, emphasized that strict identity verification is crucial for keeping “terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies.”

Effective in a few months, passengers without adequate identification will have to pay a $45 fee to utilize a new identity verification system called TSA Confirm.ID. This system is designed to assist travelers without Real ID in passing through security. The verification process through Confirm.ID is expected to take between 10 to 15 minutes on average, but it could potentially extend up to 30 minutes.

Understanding the TSA’s $45 Real ID fee

The REAL ID Act of 2005 established an additional layer of identity verification for domestic travelers. Despite initial delays, the TSA was supposed to enforce Real IDs in 2018, which was later postponed. The deadline for Real ID compliance at TSA checkpoints was finally enforced in May this year. Passengers without Real IDs have been allowed to board flights but were advised to allocate extra time for security clearance.

The new $45 fee will be implemented on February 1st. Passengers without Real IDs or valid alternatives will be required to pay the fee and utilize the Confirm.ID system at airport security checkpoints. Confirm.ID validation is valid for 10 days.

Although 94% of passengers currently possess Real IDs or compliant alternative identifications like passports, there are still hundreds of thousands of passengers each week traveling without Real IDs who may soon be subject to the new fee if they do not act promptly.

All state motor vehicle departments have been offering Real ID driver’s licenses or compliant alternatives for years. Presenting a driver’s license remains the simplest way for many passengers to prove their identity, while U.S. passports and foreign passports are also accepted for domestic flights.

Additionally, the TSA will accept several alternative forms of identification, including State-issued enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID), DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, Permanent resident card, Border crossing card, and more.

Can you fly without a Real ID?

The TSA advises travelers without Real IDs to schedule appointments at their local motor vehicle department to obtain one. Transitioning to a Real ID may require additional documentation and in-person appointments.

Passengers without Real IDs who choose to pay the $45 fee will utilize the Confirm.ID system, potentially leading to longer wait times at security checkpoints, according to the TSA.

The TSA is collaborating with private industry to offer online payment options before passengers arrive at the airport to streamline the process.