Travelers who arrive at a U.S. airport security checkpoint without a REAL ID or a valid passport could be required to pay an $18 fee to make their flight, according to a proposed rule by the Transportation Security Administration.

The non-refundable fee would go toward covering the costs of a "modernized alternative identity verification program" that will use a biometric kiosk, according to a notice published on Nov. 20. There is no set date for when the new program would start.

"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," the TSA told USA TODAY in an email statement. "TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints. Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days."

The new system is set to replace and streamline the current option, which the agency said is "time and resource intensive" in the notice.

Nearly two decades in the making, the REAL ID requirement officially went into effect May 7, mandating that travelers in the United States have a compliant driver's license or other approved identification document, like a valid passport, in order to pass through airport security checkpoints.

At first, the requirement caused a scramble as people hurried to the DMV to update their IDs before the deadline. The transition went smoothly overall without significant delays, as previously reported by USA TODAY.

Here's what travelers should know.

What does the new fee mean for travelers?

Air passengers in the U.S. over the age of 18 who do not have an acceptable form of identification will need to pay the $18 fee to participate in the alternative verification process and make their flight. Biometric technology and biographic information will be used to verify their identity and grant them access to airports' secure areas for 10 days. However, entry is not guaranteed and they may face "additional screening or experience delays," stated the notice.

What types of ID are accepted by TSA?

Here are the acceptable forms of ID, according to TSA:

  • REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • Photo ID by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
  • Foreign government-issued passport card

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA could charge you $18 if you show up without a REAL ID

Reporting by Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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