TSA Pushing to Charge Travelers Without Real IDs

Travelers who show up to the airport without a Real ID may soon have to pay for the inconvenience.

The Transportation Security Administration has proposed an $18 fee for passengers who lack a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, according to a notice published Thursday in the Federal Register. The charge would be applied at security checkpoints as part of a new identity-verification process.

“This notice serves as a next step in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary Noem as of May 2025,” a TSA spokesperson told CBS News. The agency said additional guidance is forthcoming, emphasizing that it is working closely with partners to “ensure both security and efficiency” at airport checkpoints.

The proposed fee is tied to TSA’s new biometric identity-verification program, designed to screen travelers who do not present a Real ID, passport, or another approved credential. According to the agency, traditional alternative verification methods are “time and resource intensive,” prompting the need for a cost-recovery fee.

“To address the government-incurred costs, individuals who choose to use TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification program will be required to pay an $18 fee,” the rule states. Identity verification, TSA noted, is a critical step in screening passengers and identifying high-risk travelers.

The fee would take effect once TSA announces that travelers may begin registering for the alternative program on TSA.gov.

Some industry observers say the proposal is reasonable, noting the long runway Americans have had to obtain a Real ID. “For years, they’ve been saying either get a Real ID or a passport or don’t travel,” said Daniel Green, co-founder of Faye Travel Insurance. “So the idea that you can pay $18 and potentially travel anyway isn’t so unreasonable.”

Others view the move as a sign that enforcement is tightening. “If you haven’t updated your ID yet, it’s smart to take care of it soon, especially with peak travel season adding extra stress for everyone,” said Sarah Silbert, a strategist with flight search engine Points Path.

The Real ID requirement, which took effect in May, applies to enhanced driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, and nondriver ID cards. Because documentation requirements vary by state, TSA urges travelers to consult their state driver’s license agency for details.