TSA Proposes $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID or Acceptable ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed an $18 non-refundable fee for travelers who do not have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (like a passport) at airport security checkpoints. The fee is associated with a new "modernized alternative identity verification program" for such passengers. 

Key Details of the Proposal Purpose:

The fee is intended to cover the government's costs for the new, technology-enabled alternative identity verification process, which includes using biometric and biographic data to confirm a traveler's identity. 

Optional but Necessary: 

Participation in this program is technically optional, but travelers without an acceptable ID who decline to use it or cooperate with the identity verification process will not be permitted to enter the secure area of the airport. 

Not a Guarantee: 

Using the program and paying the fee does not guarantee identity verification or access to the sterile area, and individuals may still be subject to additional screening and delays.

 Coverage: 

The $18 fee is per person and covers a 10-day period, allowing for round trips within that timeframe, provided the individual can successfully verify their identity for each use.

 Implementation: 

The notice was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2025, a necessary step in the rule-making process. Collection of the fee will begin after the TSA announces registration for the program is available on their website, the TSA.gov website. 

For a full list of accepted IDs or information on obtaining a REAL ID, travelers can visit the official TSA website for guidance.