The TSA will continue to allow airline passengers who don't have an acceptable form of identification to board their flight, but starting Feb. 1 they must pay $45 for the use of an alternative identity-verification system.
The system is called TSA Confirm.ID, and it is meant for travelers who arrive at airport security with a driver's license that isn't Real ID-compliant.
The TSA indicated this was coming in a Nov. 20 notice posted in the Federal Register, but the cost turned out to be higher than $18, the dollar figure in the notice.
The U.S. government began requiring Real ID driver's licenses last May, but it has been allowing travelers with noncompliant licenses to fly if they undergo identity verification at the airport. Now that option is going to cost them. Once passengers pay, the confirmed ID is good for 10 days.
The TSA urges passengers to pay for Confirm.ID online before traveling. For passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for Confirm.ID will be available at marked locations at or near the security checkpoint in most airports, said TSA, adding that passengers paying at the airport should expect increased security wait times.
The TSA said 94% of passengers use a Real ID driver's license or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport, passport card or DHS trusted-traveler card like Global Entry. By charging passengers who don't have an acceptable form of ID, the TSA is perhaps giving the other 6% motivation to schedule an appointment at their local Division of Motor Vehicles to get their Real ID license.
TSA official Adam Stahl said the new fee "ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer."