US Air Travelers Face $45 Fee for Lacking REAL ID Starting February
Starting in February, US air travelers without a REAL ID will incur a $45 fee, announced by the TSA, to cover identity verification and encourage compliance with federal identification requirements.
Overview
Starting in February, U.S. air travelers aged 18 and older without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this $45 fee on Monday, updating the REAL ID Act, which has required the updated ID since May.
The Department of Homeland Security reports 94% compliance, but the fee aims to incentivize the remaining non-compliant passengers to obtain the more documented REAL ID.
Travelers can pay the $45 fee online before arriving at the airport or at the airport before entering the security line to avoid potential delays.
This fee covers identity verification services provided through the TSA's Confirm.ID system, ensuring secure travel despite lacking the federally recognized identification.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on the factual announcement of the new TSA fee for travelers without REAL IDs. They present the policy details, its purpose, and implementation without using loaded language or emphasizing particular viewpoints. The reporting prioritizes clarity and direct information dissemination regarding the updated travel requirements.
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FAQ
The mandatory enforcement date for REAL ID compliance for U.S. air travelers is May 7, 2025.
Travelers without a REAL ID can use other acceptable forms of identification such as a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
Starting in February, travelers aged 18 and older who lack a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights, which covers identity verification services provided by TSA's Confirm.ID system to ensure secure travel despite lacking federally recognized identification.
As of early 2024, approximately 56% of U.S. IDs are REAL ID compliant, with many states struggling to meet the May 7, 2025 deadline.
After May 7, 2025, travelers without a REAL ID or an accepted alternative form of ID may be denied boarding on commercial flights and refused access to federal facilities; children under 18 are exempt from ID requirements for domestic travel.
History
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