Travelers who show up to the airport without a REAL ID or passport may soon be able to pay for an optional identity-verification program, according to a new notice published in the Federal Register.
The Transportation Security Administration announced that the program—described as a “modernized alternative” to standard ID checks—would allow travelers to receive up to 10 days of security-checkpoint access for a fee of $18. The program is entirely voluntary.
According to the notice, travelers who opt in must submit required biographic or biometric information. TSA would then use that data to verify the person’s identity and match them with their Secure Flight watch-list status. The agency emphasized that participation does not guarantee passage beyond the checkpoint and could involve additional screening or delays.
TSA said the measure is part of the next phase of enforcing REAL ID rules, which officially took effect in May 2025—more than 20 years after Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005. As of May 7, Americans need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved document, such as a passport, to board domestic flights.
In a statement to socal newspaper, TSA said it is working with partners to maintain both security and efficiency at checkpoints and plans to release more guidance soon.
