The US government is cracking down on air travelers without a REAL ID, imposing a $45 fee starting February 1st. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that 94% of passengers have already obtained the enhanced driver's license or identification card required for domestic flights.
The REAL ID was first introduced in 2008, but its implementation has been repeatedly delayed due to security concerns post-9/11 terrorist attacks. To obtain a REAL ID, travelers must provide additional documents than usual for regular IDs, including proof of citizenship and residency.
However, without a REAL ID or an alternative accepted form of identification, such as a passport, travelers aged 18 and above will now face the new fee to verify their identity through TSA's "Confirm.ID" system. The non-refundable $45 charge does not guarantee approval, and those whose identities cannot be verified may be denied boarding.
Travelers can pay for the fee online before arriving at the airport or upon entering the security line. However, processing times are expected to take up to 30 minutes, which could cause additional delays.
TSA officials initially proposed an $18 charge but increased it after realizing that the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated. Other forms of accepted ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards, and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. Additionally, digital IDs through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also accepted at over 250 US airports.
The move is aimed at encouraging travelers to obtain the REAL ID before their next domestic flight.
The REAL ID was first introduced in 2008, but its implementation has been repeatedly delayed due to security concerns post-9/11 terrorist attacks. To obtain a REAL ID, travelers must provide additional documents than usual for regular IDs, including proof of citizenship and residency.
However, without a REAL ID or an alternative accepted form of identification, such as a passport, travelers aged 18 and above will now face the new fee to verify their identity through TSA's "Confirm.ID" system. The non-refundable $45 charge does not guarantee approval, and those whose identities cannot be verified may be denied boarding.
Travelers can pay for the fee online before arriving at the airport or upon entering the security line. However, processing times are expected to take up to 30 minutes, which could cause additional delays.
TSA officials initially proposed an $18 charge but increased it after realizing that the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated. Other forms of accepted ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards, and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. Additionally, digital IDs through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also accepted at over 250 US airports.
The move is aimed at encouraging travelers to obtain the REAL ID before their next domestic flight.
think they're gonna make us all get a passport just for flying within the country, that's a bit excessive imo. plus 30 min wait time just to pay the $45 fee? what's the rush? should be able to figure it out at the airport without holding up the whole line 
... $45 fee for not having a real id? that's just another way to make us pay for security 
... but hey, maybe it's better this way, gotta make sure we're safe flying around 
... been saying it for ages: simplicity is key, why do we need all these extra steps and fees 
... just get rid of the fees altogether if you ask me 
And 30 minutes is a pretty long time to be waiting in line, that's just extra hassle.
. But at the same time, I feel like this new rule might cause some problems for people who don't have the right documents or can't afford to pay the fee.
We all want to stay safe, but let's not forget that there are also people who might get left behind in the process 
... I mean, I get it, security is important, but come on! It's already 2025 and we've got all these fancy digital wallets and whatnot. Can't they just make it easier? The $45 fee is gonna be a real pain for a lot of people, especially seniors and those who can't afford it 
.
. Shouldn't they just accept all forms of ID like Canada does? 
️ just saw that the US government is charging $45 for air travelers without a REAL ID starting Feb 1st 
anyone else got their ID yet? 
[www.tsa.gov](http://www.tsa.gov)