The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a significant new charge for American air passengers who have not yet upgraded to a REAL ID. Starting 1 February, travellers aged 18 and over flying domestically without the enhanced identification will be subject to a non-refundable $45 fee.
What is the REAL ID and why is it required?
REAL ID is a federally compliant form of state-issued licence or identification card. It was established following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks to create enhanced security standards for identification. The card is marked by a white star inside a yellow circle on the front in most states.
Although the law mandating REAL ID was passed in 2005 and was originally scheduled for a 2008 rollout, its full implementation has been delayed multiple times over the years. It finally became a mandatory requirement for domestic air travel in May of this year, though until now, passengers without one have been allowed through security with extra screening and a warning.
Details of the new $45 charge and verification process
From 1 February 2025, passengers who do not possess a REAL ID and lack another accepted form of identification—such as a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card—will need to pay the fee. The payment grants access to TSA's alternative identity verification system, known as “Confirm.ID”.
Officials were keen to stress that paying the fee does not guarantee successful verification. Travellers whose identities cannot be confirmed through the system may still be denied boarding. If verification is approved, it remains valid for a 10-day travel period.
The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. It can also be processed online at the airport before joining the security queue, but passengers should be aware this could take up to 30 minutes.
Why the fee increased and who is already compliant
The TSA initially considered an $18 charge for this service. However, on Monday, officials stated the fee was raised to $45 after it became clear the operational costs of the alternative Confirm.ID programme were higher than first anticipated.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that compliance is already high, with approximately 94% of air passengers now carrying a REAL ID or another acceptable document. The new fee is explicitly intended to encourage the remaining travellers to obtain the proper identification.
Other accepted IDs include photo identification from federally recognised tribal nations. The TSA also now accepts digital driver's licences stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet at more than 250 airports across the United States.
