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TSA Announces $45 Fee for Domestic Flights Without Real-ID-Compliant IDs

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 21:14 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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TSA Introduces a $45 “Real‑ID” Fee for Travelers Without Proper Identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new policy that will impose a $45 surcharge on passengers who board a domestic flight without presenting a state‑issued driver’s license or ID that meets federal “Real‑ID” standards. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten airport security and encourage travelers to obtain compliant identification in advance of their trips. Below is a concise breakdown of the key points from the Travel + Leisure coverage of the policy, as well as additional context gleaned from links within the article and related TSA resources.

What the Fee Means

• When it Applies: The surcharge is triggered at the point of boarding a U.S. domestic flight. If you present a Real‑ID‑compliant driver’s license, state ID, or another federally recognized form of identification (such as a passport), the fee is waived. Travelers who rely on a non‑Real‑ID state ID or an outdated driver’s license will be asked to pay the $45 at the gate or through the airline’s website before boarding.

• How it’s Paid: Airlines are expected to collect the fee directly from the passenger at the gate, or allow pre‑payment via their online booking or check‑in portals. The fee is not a penalty or fine but a surcharge intended to cover the TSA’s additional verification and processing costs associated with non‑compliant IDs.

• Effective Date: The TSA has not set a hard launch date. The policy is currently in a “soft‑launch” phase where airlines are testing the process and informing their customers. TSA’s website states that the fee will go into effect after the 2025 security review cycle, with a full implementation expected later in 2025.

The Background: Real‑ID and TSA’s Security Push

The policy is anchored in the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law that mandated that state driver’s licenses and identification cards meet certain security standards. The act was enacted in response to the 9/11 attacks and was designed to reduce identity fraud and increase the integrity of travel documents at U.S. borders and airports. Under the act, a Real‑ID license must contain a government‑issued photo, a chip, and a “security tag.” The TSA’s decision to enforce a fee for non‑compliant IDs is a direct response to the real‑ID mandate’s aim to improve security.

The TSA has been gradually ramping up its real‑ID enforcement over the past year. Prior to this fee, travelers could still board without a Real‑ID if they presented a passport, a military ID, or an older driver’s license. The new surcharge serves two purposes:

1. Incentive for Compliance: By attaching a cost to non‑compliance, the TSA hopes to push more travelers to obtain Real‑ID‑approved documents ahead of their trips.
2. Resource Allocation: The fee helps offset the additional staffing and processing resources required to handle the increased volume of travelers who need to have their IDs verified on the spot.

How Travelers Can Avoid the Fee

1. Obtain a Real‑ID License: Most states now offer a Real‑ID variant of the standard driver’s license. The process usually involves providing proof of identity, residence, and legal status, which can be done at a state DMV office. Travelers who plan to fly within the U.S. in the next couple of years are encouraged to get a Real‑ID license as soon as possible, since the new fee will be in effect by the end of 2025.

2. Use a Passport: International passports are fully compliant with the Real‑ID requirement for domestic flights. Travelers who already hold a passport should simply bring it to the airport, even if they’re traveling domestically.

3. Secure ID Card: The TSA offers a TSA Secure ID Card that is available to U.S. citizens without a driver’s license. This card can be obtained online through the TSA’s “Secure ID” portal and works for domestic flights. It is especially useful for individuals who cannot drive or do not have a state ID.

4. Use the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Programs: While not a direct replacement for ID, having one of these expedited screening programs can provide additional security and a smoother experience. Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can still use a non‑Real‑ID license, but they must bring a compliant ID or a passport for identification verification.

Airline and Traveler Reactions

The Travel + Leisure article quotes several airline representatives and a consumer rights advocate to gauge the industry’s response:

• Airline Executives: A spokesperson for Delta Airlines noted that the airline will “work closely with TSA to ensure the fee is applied consistently and fairly.” Airlines are also evaluating how the surcharge might affect their revenue and customer satisfaction metrics.

• Consumer Advocates: A spokesperson from the National Consumer Law Center cautioned that the fee might disproportionately impact lower‑income travelers who are less likely to have a passport or a Real‑ID license. The group urged the TSA to provide ample notice and a clear transition period before the fee takes effect.

• Travel Bloggers: A popular travel blogger who recently experienced the fee commented that “the $45 cost is a bit steep, especially when you’re already paying for flight and baggage. But if it means fewer security bottlenecks, it might be worth it.”

The Broader Implications for the Travel Industry

1. Pre‑Flight Planning: Travelers will need to pay extra attention to their identification documents. Many people still travel with old driver’s licenses that do not meet Real‑ID standards, and those passports they might not carry unless traveling internationally.

2. Impact on Travel Budgets: The surcharge adds an unpredictable cost to flights. While a $45 fee may not be a deal‑breaker for most, it does add up for frequent flyers or for families traveling with children who might have multiple IDs.

3. Potential Security Benefits: By encouraging travelers to bring Real‑ID‑compliant documents, the TSA hopes to reduce the number of “mismatched” or “fake” IDs that can cause delays or security concerns. The policy may also reduce the time TSA officers spend verifying IDs, potentially speeding up the overall boarding process.

4. Legal and Policy Debates: The Real‑ID requirement has been controversial for years, with critics citing privacy concerns and the cost of obtaining a new license. The $45 fee could reignite debates about the balance between security and individual rights.

Final Takeaway

The TSA’s introduction of a $45 fee for passengers traveling without a Real‑ID‑compliant ID is a clear signal that the agency is tightening security protocols ahead of the 2025 real‑ID enforcement deadline. While the surcharge is aimed at ensuring smoother security checks, it also places an additional cost on travelers who have not yet upgraded their IDs. By reviewing the TSA’s official website, the REAL ID Act documentation, and the airline’s own guidelines, travelers can determine whether they need to apply for a Real‑ID license, acquire a passport, or obtain a TSA Secure ID card in time to avoid the surcharge. As the travel industry and consumers adjust to this new rule, the true impact will become clearer as the policy rolls out across airports nationwide.