Six months ago, the Transportation Security Administration began enforcing Real ID requirements at airports nationwide. Now, a new layer of complexity – and cost – is being added to the travel process.
Travelers without acceptable identification may soon face an extra fee simply to pass through security. The TSA is preparing a system that allows passage for those lacking a Real ID or approved alternative, like a passport, but it comes at a price: an $18 charge for the additional screening.
Currently, passengers are expected to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license – often marked with a star – or another approved form of identification. While those without compliant IDs have generally been allowed to travel since May, they’ve faced longer, more involved security checks.
This new program, described as a “modernized alternative identity verification program,” utilizes advanced technology to confirm identities. However, that technology isn’t free. The TSA justifies the $18 fee as covering the increased time and resources required for this alternative screening process.
Essentially, the message is clear: forget your ID, or haven’t obtained a Real ID, and you’ll likely be allowed to fly… for an additional cost. The agency frames this as an “optional” measure, but the reality is far more restrictive.
The $18 fee is nonrefundable. If, after paying, TSA officers are unable to verify your identity, you won’t receive a reimbursement. And, crucially, the fee applies each time you go through security, potentially adding a significant expense to your trip.
For many travelers, this change will be seamless. Those with a Real ID, a passport, or another approved document will notice no difference. But for those who haven’t secured a Real ID and don’t carry an alternative, a round-trip flight could effectively become $36 more expensive.
The TSA acknowledges the possibility of barring repeat offenders – travelers who consistently arrive at the airport without proper identification. This suggests a potential escalation of enforcement beyond the initial $18 fee.
This new fee arrives during a period of significant change for the TSA. Alongside Real ID enforcement, the agency recently eliminated the requirement to remove shoes during standard security screenings. Discussions are even underway regarding a potential overhaul of the long-standing 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The agency maintains it is focused on balancing security with efficiency. Further details about the program are expected to be released in the coming days, offering a clearer picture of how this new fee will impact the travel experience.
