TSA $45 security fee for those flying without acceptable identification begins Feb. 1
FILE-A Miami International Airport TSA checkpoint security screening area and Real ID sign are displayed. (Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Attention air travelers. The new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) $45 fee option for travelers without a REAL ID begins Feb. 1.
The backstory:
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses."
Every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for boarding commercial aircraft.
Dig deeper:
Travelers without a REAL ID can pay a $45 fee and use TSA ConfirmID and TSA will attempt to verify your identity so you can go through security; however, there is no guarantee TSA can do so.
TSA says the fee is assessed to ensure that non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable forms of identification.
To avoid delays or missed flights, TSA recommends all travelers obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport.
TSA urges all airline travelers to complete these three steps in advance of any air travel on or after Feb 1.
TSA urges all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the fee online before traveling. For passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for the TSA ConfirmID option will be available at marked locations at or near the checkpoint in most airports.
TSA says individuals with an acceptable form of ID do not need to use TSA ConfirmID.
Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
The TSA website lists the following acceptable forms of identification:
- State-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cardsIf you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles (or equivalent).A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles (or equivalent).
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Mobile Driver's Licenses (mDLs): TSA accepts certain mDLs issued by states that have been approved for Federal use.The mDL must be based on a REAL ID, EDL, or EID.Approved states are listed at Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs | Transportation Security Administration
- The mDL must be based on a REAL ID, EDL, or EID.
- Approved states are listed at Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs | Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
TSA is also accepting the following Digital Identification as a part of our ongoing testing efforts to strengthen identity security:
- Apple Digital ID
- Clear ID
- Google ID pass
How to know if you are REAL ID-compliant
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.
Examples of REAL IDs
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card. (TSA)
If you are unsure if your ID is REAL ID, you should check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.