It’s been more than six months since the Transportation Security Administration began enforcing the Real ID directive at airports nationwide.
Now, the rules may become even stricter.
Soon, travelers who don’t bring an acceptable form of ID to the airport may have to pay extra to get through security.
The Transportation Security Administration is preparing a new security setup that would allow travelers to pass through security checkpoints even if they don’t have a REAL ID or an approved substitute, such as a passport, according to plans filed in the Federal Register on Thursday.
What’s the gain? They must pay an additional $18 screening fee, which may include a new biometric scan.
In a statement to TPG, the TSA called this the “next step” in rolling out REAL ID requirements, which were rolled out at airports nationwide in May.
The “next step” for real-name authentication enforcement
Currently, to pass through airport security, travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (usually represented by a star somewhere on the card) or other approved ID, such as a passport, Global Entry card, or one of many other documents.
However, since May, even travelers without these approved IDs have generally still been able to get through security, but have faced a more time-consuming process.
As part of its new Modernized Alternative Identification Program, TSA will use a high-tech process to confirm the identities of these travelers.
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However, those passengers must pay an $18 fee, which the TSA says is to cover the additional time and technology needed to screen those passengers.
Essentially, the TSA is telling travelers: If you don’t have acceptable ID, we may let you through, but you’ll have to pay $18 for it.
We hope to learn more details about this new program in the near future.
“TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure the safety and efficiency of our checkpoints,” a TSA spokesperson told TPG on Thursday. “Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days.”
FAQ
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) defines the new program and fee as “optional” for travelers who don’t bring acceptable identification to the airport.
Is it required or optional?
If you don’t have the correct ID, technically you can’t must Pay the $18 fee yourself. But until then, your only real option is to not fly.
So, yes, it’s optional…sort of.
Can you get a refund?
The fee is non-refundable, according to federal records: You’ll need to pay for the additional inspection, and if for some reason officials can’t verify your identity, you won’t get your money back, according to the notice filed Thursday.
Do I need to pay a fee every time I fly?
Once you pay the $18 fee, you get 10 days of coverage, according to a notice filed with the TSA.
So if you’re doing a short round trip or a week-long vacation, you’re at least not affected by charges both ways.
However, the TSA noted that “under certain circumstances,” it may bar travelers from checkpoints if they repeatedly show up at the airport without acceptable identification.
Who does this affect (and who doesn’t)
For most travelers, this change will likely have no impact.
These new TSA restrictions will not affect you if you:
- Have a real ID
- Please bring your passport to the airport
- As of May, please bring one of the many other documents accepted by the agency in lieu of a REAL ID
However, for travelers who can’t get a REAL ID and don’t bring one of the other permitted forms of ID, your flight will actually cost $18.
This also applies to travelers who have lost their ID or left it at home before traveling to the airport.
bottom line
The new $18 fee comes within a year of significant changes for the TSA. In addition to launching long-planned Real ID enforcement, the agency in July stopped requiring travelers to remove their shoes for inspection at standard security checkpoints.
Trump administration officials have also hinted that the “3-1-1” liquids policy may be discontinued in the future, but for now the rules remain in effect.
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