TSA’s New Eighteen Dollar Fee For Non-REAL ID Travelers Could Reshape Airport Security In The U.S. With Cutting-Edge Biometric Technology Ensuring Faster And More Reliable Identity Verification

Published on November 21, 2025

U.S. travelers without a REAL ID may soon face an $18 TSA fee as part of a new proposal aimed at enhancing airport security and streamlining the traveler experience. This fee will grant access to a modern biometric verification system designed to expedite identity checks and ensure a smoother, more secure process at security checkpoints. The new system aims to meet growing security demands by integrating cutting-edge technology, helping TSA better manage airport traffic while providing travelers with a faster, more efficient screening process.

TSA Proposes $18 Fee for Non-REAL ID Travelers at Airport Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a new policy that would require travelers without a REAL ID to pay an $18 fee to pass through airport security checkpoints. This move is part of an effort to implement modernized security technology and streamline the identity verification process at U.S. airports. The TSA outlined this proposal in a recent notice, signaling a significant shift in airport security measures.

What Is REAL ID and Why Does It Matter?

REAL ID is a federally accepted form of identification that adheres to security standards set by the U.S. government. It includes a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal guidelines and is designed to strengthen security after the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. These new standards were established by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. However, the deadline for compliance has been delayed multiple times until it was finally enforced on May 7, 2025.

For U.S. air travelers, REAL ID-compliant identification is now mandatory to board flights. Without it, passengers face additional hurdles at security checkpoints, as the TSA seeks to ensure a more secure travel environment.

Proposed $18 Fee for Non-REAL ID Holders

In response to the shift to REAL ID enforcement, the TSA has introduced a proposed rule that would allow travelers without a REAL ID to pay an $18 fee. This fee would grant them access to a new biometric verification system, allowing passengers to proceed through TSA checkpoints. According to the TSA, this fee would help cover the costs of new technology designed to verify the identities of travelers.

Under the proposed rule, passengers would have the option to pay the fee and use a biometric kiosk. This system would enable non-REAL ID holders to proceed through TSA security for up to 10 days, assuming their identity is successfully verified through the kiosk. However, the fee does not guarantee automatic access to security checkpoints. Travelers using this system must provide the necessary biographic and biometric data for identity verification.

What Does the New Verification Process Entail?

The new “modernized alternative identity verification program” uses biometric data to cross-check a passenger’s identity. After paying the fee and providing the required information, travelers would undergo a verification process where TSA would match their biographical and biometric data against federal security databases, including the Secure Flight watch list. This security measure aims to enhance safety at airports by identifying any potential threats or discrepancies in a passenger’s identity.

However, while the program offers a path to security clearance, it comes with caveats. Travelers may still face additional screening procedures, or experience delays during the verification process. The TSA has emphasized that paying the fee for this service does not guarantee expedited processing, and passengers might encounter further security checks depending on the outcome of the biometric verification.

Passports Remain Valid for Travel

It’s important to note that passports will still be an accepted form of identification for both domestic and international travel. Even if a traveler doesn’t have a REAL ID, a valid passport will suffice for boarding flights. Similarly, non-REAL ID compliant state driver’s licenses are still acceptable for other non-federal purposes, such as driving.

The $18 fee, however, is non-refundable, regardless of whether the traveler successfully clears the biometric verification or is delayed due to additional screening.

The Road Ahead for REAL ID Compliance

The TSA’s proposed rule marks a critical step forward in the rollout of the REAL ID requirements, which were signed into law more than two decades ago. While the May 2025 deadline for REAL ID compliance marks a firm cutoff, the TSA has indicated that further guidance on the new policy will be forthcoming in the coming months. The agency is working closely with various stakeholders to ensure the program runs smoothly and efficiently at airports across the country.

The introduction of this new biometric verification system aims to improve the security and efficiency of TSA checkpoints, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. However, it also introduces new considerations for travelers who may not yet have a REAL ID or are unsure of their compliance status.

What’s Next?

As of now, the TSA has not specified when the new $18 fee will be officially implemented. The agency continues to review public feedback and work with various partners to finalize the details of the rule. In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to ensure their identification complies with REAL ID standards before embarking on air travel in order to avoid potential disruptions or the need for additional fees.

This proposed change reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the U.S. travel security system and better align identification standards with evolving technologies. As the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, travelers without the necessary documentation should take action to secure a REAL ID or familiarize themselves with the new biometric verification process to ensure smoother travel experiences.

The proposed $18 fee for non-REAL ID holders underscores the TSA’s commitment to enhancing airport security while balancing the need for a smooth and efficient traveler experience. While passports remain valid for air travel, the implementation of the new biometric verification system will likely become a key feature of U.S. airports in the near future. As TSA continues to roll out these changes, travelers are advised to stay informed about the evolving requirements and options available to them as they navigate security checkpoints.