NEWS: TSA Proposes NEW Rule That Could Charge Some Passengers an $18 Fee

The federal REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, but wasn’t implemented until May 2025. Now, passengers are required to present a REAL ID, passport, or other accepted identification when going through airport security in order to access the sterile area of the airport. However, some passengers are still not complying with the new requirement.

As a result, the Transportation Security Administration has proposed a new rule for airline passengers traveling without a REAL ID or passport, according to ABC News. The proposed rule would implement an $18 fee for passengers to verify their identity on a new biometric kiosk.

If someone is traveling without proper identification, the passenger must undergo additional screening to verify their identity. The TSA is looking to implement a “modernized alternative identity verification program.” This biometric kiosk system will help to reduce time and streamline the process for verifying passengers without proper identification.

The fee will help cover the cost of the new technology and the resources being used. The $18 fee is non-refundable and valid for up to 10 days. So, if you travel again within 10 days, you would not need to pay the fee again.

However, it is not guaranteed that an individual can be verified using this system, and additional screening may be required, resulting in delays. The best way to prevent delays and expedite the screening process at the airport is to ensure you have the proper identification prior to flying. You can view a full list of acceptable identification here. Keep in mind that it may take some time to obtain proper identification, so leave yourself enough time before traveling to get it!

However, it seems the TSA is working on ways to expedite the process for those who cannot obtain proper identification before traveling. We don’t know when this new verification program and fee will be rolled out, but the proposed rule has been published in the Federal Register and is open to public comment.

Stay tuned to AllEars for all your travel news and updates about this new proposed rule!

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What do you think about this new proposed rule? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!