New $45 Fee for Air Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February
Air travelers in the United States will face a $45 fee starting February 1 if they attempt to fly domestically without a REAL ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this update to encourage compliance with the federal identification requirements, implemented in response to the heightened security needs following the September 11 attacks.
Why It Matters
The introduction of this fee highlights the ongoing efforts to reinforce security measures in U.S. air travel. With 94% of passengers already possessing a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, officials aim to address the remaining percentage of travelers who have not yet secured this essential credential. The fee serves as both an incentive and a deterrent, ensuring that travelers are aware of the need for compliant identification while providing a pathway for those who may not yet have it.
Key Developments
- Implementation Date: The fee will take effect on February 1, 2025.
- Fee Structure: A $45 non-refundable fee will be charged to travelers 18 and older without a REAL ID or an accepted alternative ID.
- Verification Process: The fee allows travelers to verify their identity through the TSA’s “Confirm.ID” system, which covers a 10-day travel period upon approval.
- Alternative Identification: Acceptable forms of ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards, and federally recognized tribal IDs. Digital IDs from Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also accepted at over 250 airports nationwide.
- Initial Fee Proposal: The TSA originally suggested an $18 fee but raised it due to higher-than-expected operational costs for the verification program.
Full Report
New Fee Announcement
In a recent announcement, TSA officials confirmed that passengers planning to fly domestically without a REAL ID starting February will be required to pay a fee for identity verification. Previously, travelers without a REAL ID were permitted to clear security with added screening and warnings but will now face this new financial obligation. The change comes as part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with federally mandated identification standards.
REAL ID Requirements
To obtain a REAL ID, travelers must present additional documentation at their local motor vehicle agency, which varies by state. Each REAL ID features a white star within a yellow circle, indicating that it meets federal criteria. The initiative was initially set to roll out in 2008 but has faced numerous delays over the years.
Identification Verification Process
The TSA’s "Confirm.ID" system enables travelers without a REAL ID to verify their identity through a fee-based process. Those who choose to pay the fee do so by either pre-paying online or paying at the airport, where processing could take up to 30 minutes. It’s important to note that payment does not guarantee verification; travelers whose identities cannot be confirmed may be denied entry to the secure area.
Context & Previous Events
The REAL ID initiative was a response to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, aiming to bolster the security of air travel. Since its inception, the program has been marked by delays in implementation, with full compliance rolling out gradually across the states. Currently, 94% of air travelers are compliant with the requirement, underscoring the program’s widespread acceptance.
