POLITICS

TSA to start charging $45 for non-REAL ID travelers

PUBLISHED Dec 2, 2025, 11:17 AM ET

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TSA to start charging $45 for non-REAL ID travelers

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Center 89%

Right 11%

Sources: 9

United States — The Transportation Security Administration announced this week that beginning in February passengers who arrive at airport security without REAL ID-compliant identification will be charged a $45 administrative fee before receiving alternative identity verification. Department of Homeland Security reports about 94% overall compliance after May 7 enforcement began. States reported increased REAL ID issuance, including Kentucky issuing more than 130,000 credentials in May and roughly 1.1 million January–October. TSA and state officials say the fee aims to increase compliance; travel analysts warn of potential delays and states expand outreach programs nationwide. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2005 — Congress enacts the REAL ID Act establishing federal ID standards.
7 May 2025 — DHS begins enforcing REAL ID for domestic flights.
May 2025 — Kentucky issues over 130,000 REAL ID credentials in one month.
Mid/late 2025 — DHS reports approximately 94% traveler compliance with REAL ID.
February (next year) — TSA starts $45 fee and TSA Confirm.ID alternative verification.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Federal and state agencies gain improved compliance rates and clearer enforcement metrics, potentially reducing ad-hoc screening workloads and improving recordkeeping.

Who Impacted

Travelers lacking REAL ID face a new $45 fee, longer identity-verification wait times, and increased chance of missed flights during early enforcement.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 89%, Right 11%

Who Benefited

Federal and state agencies gain improved compliance rates and clearer enforcement metrics, potentially reducing ad-hoc screening workloads and improving recordkeeping.

Who Impacted

Travelers lacking REAL ID face a new $45 fee, longer identity-verification wait times, and increased chance of missed flights during early enforcement.