Nov 20, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Airline passengers without REAL ID face $18 fee to get through security

Julianna Bragg

Noem wearing a dark grey striped suit at a podium, standing in front of various TSA agents — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Nov. 13, 2025. A new proposal could charge passengers without a REAL ID or passport $18 to get through airport security. Photo: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images

Air travelers without a federally-compliant REAL ID can still make it through security checkpoints after paying an $18 fee under a new TSA initiative.

The big picture: Transportation officials previously warned that passengers without the approved license or a passport would undergo an alternative identity verification program, which could include additional screening or delays. But the new notice would tack on an extra charge to already expensive flight costs.

REAL ID enforcement caused widespread confusion among domestic travelers who scrambled to obtain a compliant ID before the May 7 deadline.

State of play: The new electronic systems — which will verify a traveler's identity using biometric and biographic information — would be funded by the fee passengers without a REAL ID would pay to get through.

After paying the $18 non-refundable fee, travelers would be able to move through security as usual for a 10-day period without any additional charge, per the notice.
The notice instituting the fee takes effect immediately. However, a TSA spokesperson told Axios that further guidance to airports will be issued in coming days.

Of note: 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints already have compliant identification, including a state-issued Real ID, according to a TSA statement issued when enforcement began.

What they're saying: "This notice serves as a next step in the process in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary Noem as of May 2025," a TSA spokesperson told Axios.

Go deeper: Real ID deadline is Wednesday, what to know before flying

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Airline passengers without REAL ID face $18 fee to get through security

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