New TSA Biometric System In The U.S. Requires Eighteen Dollar Fee For Non-REAL ID Travelers Offering Secure, Efficient, And Faster Screening To Enhance Safety And Convenience

Published on November 22, 2025

The TSA has proposed a new $18 fee for U.S. travelers without a REAL ID, aimed at enhancing airport security through the implementation of advanced biometric verification systems. This move comes as part of the ongoing efforts to meet federal security standards and streamline the travel experience. By introducing biometric kiosks, the TSA hopes to improve identity verification and reduce wait times at checkpoints, ensuring both safety and efficiency for all passengers.

TSA Proposes $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID to Pass Through Airport Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to implement an $18 fee for passengers without a REAL ID when passing through airport checkpoints. This new fee aims to cover the costs associated with introducing advanced technology designed to verify the identity of travelers, as outlined in a notice published on Thursday.

The REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards. Its requirement for air travel in the United States became effective on May 7, after several delays. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was created as a response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to improve security measures for identification documents used in air travel.

Under the TSA’s newly proposed rule, passengers who do not have a REAL ID will have the option to pay the $18 fee. In return, they will be allowed to use a biometric kiosk, which could grant them access to TSA checkpoints for up to 10 days. However, travelers should be aware that paying this fee does not guarantee access to the security line. The notice emphasized that the biometric kiosk, which is part of a “modernized alternative identity verification program,” is still subject to TSA’s security screening process.

As part of this program, when a traveler opts to use the alternative identity verification method, they must provide the necessary personal information. TSA will then verify the individual’s identity using their biographical and/or biometric data, ensuring it matches the individual’s Secure Flight watchlist result. While this verification process is designed to ensure safety, it also may subject travelers to additional screenings or cause delays at the checkpoint.

It’s important to note that despite this new proposal, passports will continue to be an acceptable form of identification for both domestic and international flights. Non-REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses remain valid for other purposes, such as driving, and can still be used for identification in situations outside the scope of federal requirements for air travel.

The $18 fee is non-refundable, according to the TSA’s announcement, and will apply each time an individual uses the alternative identity verification program. The agency has made it clear that the fee does not guarantee expedited or smooth access to the checkpoint. Travelers opting for this process should expect the possibility of additional security checks or delays as part of the enhanced verification measures.

The REAL ID requirement has been a long time coming, with several delays stretching the timeline for full implementation. The original law passed in 2005 set a deadline that has since been pushed back multiple times. Now, with the final deadline in place, the TSA aims to ensure that air travel security is strengthened through these measures, which are intended to better align the identification process with modern security protocols.

The TSA’s implementation of the REAL ID program and associated verification procedures is designed to enhance security and streamline the travel experience. The $18 fee is intended to cover the costs of maintaining and expanding the new biometric systems and infrastructure.

As the rulemaking process moves forward, the TSA continues to work with other stakeholders, including airlines and security experts, to streamline the implementation process while maintaining the highest levels of security. The agency is also working to ensure that there is enough support for travelers who need to transition to REAL ID-compliant identification or those who may wish to use the new biometric verification system.

Travelers who still need to update their identification to meet the REAL ID standards are encouraged to do so well in advance of their travel dates, especially as the May 2025 enforcement deadline looms. The TSA has advised that those who do not have a REAL ID by the deadline may face longer delays or complications when passing through security.

For now, the proposed $18 fee is still in the comment phase, and the TSA has not yet announced a specific date for when the rule could take effect. However, travelers can expect to receive additional guidance on the implementation of this fee and the use of the biometric kiosks in the near future.

This latest development is part of the TSA’s ongoing efforts to enhance airport security while minimizing disruptions to the passenger experience. The agency continues to prioritize safety while also finding ways to streamline procedures to improve the overall travel process.

As the rule is still in its early stages, travelers are advised to stay informed about updates and to check TSA’s official website for the latest information regarding the REAL ID requirements and the new biometric verification options.