In May, 2025, the TSA launched a new program at airports requiring all US passengers to show a Real ID—even for domestic flights.
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The Real ID rollout is designed to streamline and simplify security protocols for passengers. In short, it’s an ID that proves that your identification was recently confirmed by state agencies like the DMV. The rollout, unsurprisingly, caused a bit of confusion.
Since the launch, passengers without a Real ID have been subject to alternative forms of identity verification. On November 20th, the TSA announced that this process will now cost $18. The fee is designed to fund the identity verification steps TSA agents must take when checking in passengers without a Real ID.
If you’re flying without a Real ID or a passport this holiday season, here’s what you need to know.
Inside the new TSA charge for passengers without a Real ID
Along with the new fee, the TSA has also announced new electronic systems that can be used to confirm a passenger’s identity. If they don’t have a Real ID with them, this system can verify their identity through biographical and biometric information—although the details are still scant.
Unfortunately, this additional identity verification screening can take time—and could potentially cause delays that make you miss a flight. That’s the risk here: You could end up running to your gate if the TSA has to run additional checks on your ID.
That being said, the $18 fee is also valid for a ten-day period. So, if you’re flying home for Thanksgiving and don’t have a Real ID, you won’t be charged on your flight home as long as it’s within ten days of your first flight.
The $18 fee is active at all US airports. However, a TSA spokesperson who communicated with Axios said that further guidance for agents will be provided in the coming days. As of November 2025, the TSA estimates that 81% of travelers have a valid form of ID, whether a Real ID or a passport.
