The proposed fee would be nonrefundable and used to cover the costs of what the TSA calls a “modernised alternative identity verification program.” It is yet unclear when the new policy will go into effect.
After decades of logistical and administrative issues, the United States’ REAL ID Act (passed in 2005) finally came into force on 7 May 2025. Since then, air passengers in the US need to present identification documents complying with the so-called REAL ID to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
Documents recognised as REAL ID compliant incorporate new fraud prevention technology and can be recognised by the star inside a gold circle pictured in the upper right corner. Documents such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a US passport or passport card, or a permanent resident card are all recognised. The recently launched Apple Wallet digital ID can also be used at over 250 airports in the US when a traveller has a valid US passport.
Increased efficiency and security
On 20 November 2025, the Transport Security Administration announced passengers who are not able to show a REAL ID or US passport could soon be obliged to pay an $18 fee to make their flight. That fee would be nonrefundable and would cover additional costs involved in the identification process.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is launching a modernised alternative identity verification program for individuals who present at the TSA checkpoint without the required acceptable form of identification (AFOID), such as a REAL ID or passport. This modernised program provides an alternative that may allow these individuals to gain access to the sterile area of an airport if TSA is able to establish their identity. To address the government-incurred costs, individuals who choose to use TSA’s modernised alternative identity verification program will be required to pay an $18 fee”, the TSA stated in its notice.
If you're traveling this week, here's our best tip: Make sure to have an acceptable form of ID, and in a place that’s easily accessible, when you arrive at the checkpoint.
— TSA (@TSA) November 25, 2025
Check our full list of acceptable forms of ID list at: https://t.co/MKXemtLzLj pic.twitter.com/ACKa0ysz8H
Furthermore, the organisation states that participation in the modernised alternative identity verification program would be optional and would not guarantee an individual to be granted access to the sterile area of an airport.
“This notice serves as a next step in the process of REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary Noem as of May 2025. TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints”, a TSA spokesperson explained to CNN.
At the time of writing, it is still unclear when the proposed rule would go into effect. According to the TSA, additional guidance should be announced soon.
