TSA to start charging travelers $45 if they don’t have a Real ID. Here are the details.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that starting February 1, U.S. air travelers who have not upgraded to a Real ID can still fly without one, but they will now be charged a $45 fee for verification. This fee-based verification system, called TSA Confirm.ID, will confirm the identities of passengers without a Real ID, passport, or another acceptable form of ID.

The Real ID is a federally compliant state driver’s license, learner’s permit, or nondriver ID card, distinguished by a black or gold star in the upper right corner. Passengers without Real IDs will be directed to the TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification before entering the security line at airports. This process may lead to increased wait times as their identities are confirmed.

The $45 fee will validate passengers for a 10-day period. The TSA encourages travelers without Real IDs to update their IDs at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Adam Stahl, a TSA official, stated that the fee is intended to ensure that travelers, rather than taxpayers, cover the cost of the advanced verification system.

Travel experts have expressed concerns that the new fee may disadvantage lower-income Americans and create confusion with the 10-day verification window. Julian Kheel, founder of the flight search engine Points Path, likened the situation to an identity expiration, where travelers may need to pay the fee again after 10 days even if their identity remains unchanged.

Confirm.ID requires passengers without Real IDs to answer a series of questions to verify their identity. Once confirmed, passengers will receive a receipt to show at the TSA checkpoint along with their form of ID. Travelers with Real IDs or other accepted forms of identification, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License or passport, do not need to pay the $45 fee.

As of now, over 94% of passengers use Real IDs or other acceptable forms of identification. The cost of obtaining a Real ID varies by state, with some states charging additional fees beyond the regular cost of a driver’s license or renewal.

In conclusion, the TSA’s new fee for passengers without Real IDs aims to ensure secure travel and shift the financial burden to travelers. It is essential for travelers to check their identification requirements before flying to avoid any issues at airport security checkpoints.