New TSA Security Requirements and Alternative Verification Process Explained
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a significant policy change that will impact travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without proper identification. Starting February 1, 2025, passengers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport will be required to pay a $45 fee and complete an alternative identity verification process.
What You Need to Know About the New TSA Fee
Key Details of the REAL ID Fee
The new $45 charge represents a substantial increase from the initially proposed $18 fee outlined in the Federal Register last month. This fee is part of the TSA’s phased implementation of REAL ID enforcement, which has been in development for several years.
According to Steve Lorincz, TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, the fee increase was necessary to modernize the identification verification system and ensure robust security protocols. The revenue generated will cover administrative and information technology costs associated with the program, shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to travelers who choose not to obtain compliant identification.
How the Alternative Verification Process Works
Travelers who arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or passport will need to complete an online verification process through TSA.gov. Here’s what to expect:
Time Requirements:
- Typical processing time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Potential delays: up to 30 minutes or longer in some cases
Process Steps:
- Visit TSA.gov and access the identity verification portal
- Complete biometric or biographic verification
- Pay the $45 fee
- Receive email confirmation
- Present confirmation to TSA officers at the checkpoint
Important Limitations:
- Verification approval is not guaranteed
- Valid for checkpoint access for up to 10 days only
- Repeat travelers without REAL ID must pay the fee again after 10 days
- Lost or stolen REAL IDs and passports require the same fee payment
What Counts as Acceptable Identification?
To avoid the new fee, travelers should carry one of the following REAL ID-compliant forms of identification:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (marked with a star symbol)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent resident card
- Other federally approved identification documents
Currently, approximately 94% of air travelers already use REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of ID, according to TSA statistics.
Why This Change Matters for Air Travelers
Airport Efficiency Concerns
Travelers arriving at security checkpoints without proper identification will be removed from the screening line to complete the online verification process. This could create bottlenecks during peak travel periods and cause passengers to miss their flights if they haven’t allowed sufficient time.
Aviation security experts recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to account for potential delays related to identification verification.
Financial Impact on Unprepared Travelers
The $45 fee may come as an unwelcome surprise to travelers who are unaware of the new requirements. For families traveling together, multiple passengers without REAL IDs could face fees totaling hundreds of dollars, in addition to the stress and time delays.
How to Prepare for the REAL ID Deadline
Getting Your REAL ID
If you haven’t obtained a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to begin the application process. Most states require:
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
- Current driver’s license
Processing times vary by state, so don’t wait until the last minute. Some states offer online pre-application systems to streamline the in-person visit.
Alternative: Use Your Passport
U.S. citizens can also use a valid passport or passport card as an alternative to obtaining a REAL ID. Passports remain the gold standard for identification and are required for international travel regardless of REAL ID compliance.
Expert Recommendations
Travel industry professionals advise:
- Check your current ID for the REAL ID star symbol
- Apply for a REAL ID or renew your passport well before your next trip
- Keep digital copies of your identification documents
- Consider TSA PreCheck or other trusted traveler programs for expedited screening
- Arrive early at the airport if you’re uncertain about your ID status
The Broader REAL ID Implementation Timeline
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The full enforcement deadline has been delayed multiple times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the February 2025 fee implementation, TSA is taking a more aggressive approach to encouraging compliance while still providing an alternative pathway for unprepared travelers. However, the agency has made it clear that access through security checkpoints is not guaranteed even with fee payment if identity cannot be adequately verified.
Bottom Line
The new $45 TSA fee for travelers without REAL ID represents a significant policy shift that will affect millions of Americans. To avoid unnecessary fees, delays, and potential travel disruptions, passengers should verify they have compliant identification well before their next flight. While the alternative verification process provides a safety net, it should not be viewed as a convenient substitute for obtaining proper identification.
For the most current information and to access the identity verification portal when it launches, visit TSA.gov.
