TSA’s Latest Real ID Policy Sparks Confusion for Travelers

The Transportation Security Administration, which oversees security checkpoints at airports, will soon begin charging certain travelers as part of its REAL ID verification process. 

Beginning February 1, travelers who go through a TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or passport will be charged $45 by the federal agency. Additionally, they will have to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system, reports ABC News . Though TSA security checkpoints currently have these systems in place, passengers can opt out of participating in things like face scanning. 

Last month , TSA proposed an $18 fee for travelers without a REAL ID or passport which would be valid for up to 10 days, but the agency has since explained the higher price point as a necessary adjustment. 

"We needed to modernize the system. We needed to make sure that the system is safe," Steve Lorincz, executive assistant administrator for security operations at TSA, told ABC News.

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Like the proposal, the $45 fee will be valid for up to 10 days, but going through the process doesn't guarantee clearance at a security checkpoint. 

Once the policy goes into effect, travelers without REAL ID or a valid passport will be able to visit TSA.gov to verify their identity and pay the fee. Once complete, they will receive an email verification that they can show a TSA agent to get through a security checkpoint, with the agency indicating that the process should take around 15 minutes, but could take as long as 30. 

Travelers who arrive at a TSA security checkpoint without a REAL ID, passport, or the email will be pulled out of the security line and will need to complete the online verification process before proceeding further. This will also apply to travelers who have lost their REAL ID or passport.

"We still need to go through the process to make sure that we verify who you are. And for whatever reason, if we can't do that, then you can't go through the process," Lorincz said.

As the news broke online, travelers were confused by the announcement, taking to Instagram to voice their complaints, writing, "Sounds like a scam," "So it's not about safety," and asking how the process affects them if they already have a passport or REAL ID.

One commenter wrote, "just another institution looking for a way to squeeze another dollar out of consumers for the same product they already paid for it. This is the American way now," while others teased that instead, "They should fine people who get up [as] soon as the plane lands."

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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.