No REAL ID? Proposed rule may impose $18 TSA fee

The TSA has proposed a new rule that would impose an $18 fee on travelers without a REAL ID or passport, allowing them to use a biometric kiosk for identity verification at checkpoints for 10 days. This fee aims to fund new technology as part of the REAL ID compliance process initiated in May 2025. The system will verify identities using biometrics but does not guarantee access, potentially causing delays for travelers. The proposed rule will enter a public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register.