That is partially correct, but there is important context you need to know to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Recent announcements from the TSA (as of late 2025) indicate that they plan to introduce a fee for travelers who arrive at security without any acceptable form of ID—not just those missing a REAL ID.
Here is the breakdown of what is actually changing, who will be charged, and how to avoid it.
1. The Fee is for "No ID" Verification, Not Just "No REAL ID"
The proposed $18 fee is for a specific service called the "Modernized Alternative Identity Verification Program."
* If you have a Passport: You will not be charged. A passport is a "REAL ID-compliant" document. You can use it instead of a driver's license.
* If you have a REAL ID: You will not be charged.
* Who pays: The fee applies to travelers who show up to the checkpoint with no acceptable ID at all (e.g., you forgot your wallet, lost your ID, or only have a non-compliant standard license and no passport).
Previously, if you forgot your ID, TSA agents would manually verify your identity for free (calling databases, asking security questions). Because this is time-consuming and costly, they are moving to this automated, paid system.
2. When Does It Start?
While you mentioned "next year," the TSA has not set a specific "January 1" start date for the fee collection yet.
* Current Status: The proposal was published in the Federal Register in November 2025.
* Timeline: It will likely go into effect in 2026 once the system is fully operational and the public comment/registration period concludes. Until then, the manual (often slower) verification process remains in place, though enforcement of the REAL ID requirement itself began in May 2025.
3. How to Avoid the Charge
You do not need to rush to the DMV if you have other documents. You can avoid this fee completely by carrying any of the following TSA-approved IDs:
* U.S. Passport or Passport Card
* REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License (look for the star in the corner)
* DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
* U.S. Military ID
* Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Summary Table
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Have REAL ID License | No fee. Proceed as normal. |
| Have Standard License + Passport | No fee. Use Passport as ID. |
| Have Standard License ONLY | Potential $18 fee (once implemented) or denied entry. |
| Have NO Physical ID | $18 fee for biometric verification (once implemented). |
Next Step: Check your wallet right now. If your driver's license does not have a "Star" in the upper corner, verify that your U.S. Passport is valid and not expired. Would you like me to look up the specific REAL ID requirements for your state?
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