• News Privacy Flying Without a Real ID? • You May Owe an Additional $45 Fee If you don’t want to pay a $45 fee at the airport, you’ll need to get a Real ID before flying. • Traveling without a Real ID-compliant form of identification? • You’ll owe additional cash for your trip. • If you still haven’t gotten a Real ID, but plan to fly in the near future, you’ll be faced with a hefty $45 fee. • The Transportation Security Administration began charging a fee Feb.

Article Summaries:

  • The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun charging a $45 fee for travelers who arrive at airport security without a valid Real ID-such as an enhanced driver’s license or passport-effective February 1. The fee covers the extra work required to verify identity through alternative methods, including biometric kiosks. If a passenger fails the security check after paying, the fee is non‑refundable; successful travelers can use the kiosk for 10 days without repeated charges. Real IDs became mandatory at U.S. airports in May 2025, and TSA will issue further guidance soon. Tech firms, including Apple, are developing mobile‑ID solutions to ease compliance.

Sources: