Traveling Without a REAL ID? Be Prepared for a $45 Fee

Starting Sunday, air travelers in the U.S. who lack a REAL ID may face a new fee of $45. This fee is for those who do not have an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. It’s part of a new identity verification method called ConfirmID, instituted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal standards. These standards were integrated following the September 11 attacks. To obtain a REAL ID, travelers must provide additional documentation compared to regular IDs. A white star inside a yellow circle denotes a compliant ID.

Implementation History

The REAL ID program was slated to roll out in 2008 but experienced multiple delays. It became mandatory in May 2023, though travelers without the ID were still able to fly under heightened screening conditions.

New Fee for Non-Compliance

• Applicable to travelers aged 18 and older.
• Fee is $45 for identity verification at the airport.
• Verification is valid for a 10-day travel period.
• Fee payment does not guarantee passage through security.

Adam Stahl, acting TSA deputy administrator, emphasized that this measure ensures that those who are non-compliant bear the cost, not taxpayers.

How to Pay the Fee

Travelers can pay the fee online at tsa.gov/ConfirmID. They will need to enter their legal name and travel start date. Payments can be made using debit cards, credit cards, Venmo, or PayPal. An emailed receipt will be sent once the payment is processed.

Verification Process at the Airport

At the airport, travelers must present a government-issued ID along with a printed or digital copy of their payment receipt. TSA advises paying the fee before arriving to minimize waiting time, as verification may take up to 30 minutes.

Acceptable Forms of ID

In addition to REAL IDs, TSA accepts various forms of identification. These include:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Permanent resident cards
• Trusted traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS)
• Military IDs
• Photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations

Those planning to travel should confirm their identification status and consider obtaining a REAL ID to avoid inconveniences and fees while traveling. For more details, check the TSA’s full list of acceptable IDs.