New $45 TSA Fee Begins Feb. 1: Find Out If You Must Pay

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to implement a new $45 fee for adult travelers who do not possess acceptable forms of identification starting February 1. This decision affects individuals traveling through U.S. airports without a REAL ID, passport, military ID, or other recognized identification.

Details of the New TSA Fee

The fee, which is significantly higher than the initially proposed amount of $18, will impact numerous travelers daily. For instance, Portland International Airport, which averages about 24,000 travelers each day, might see around 480 individuals affected, as roughly 2% fail to have TSA-approved IDs.

Fee Implementation Timeline

• Initial proposal: November 20, $18 fee.
• Finalized fee: $45, announced in December.
• Effective date: February 1。

Once the fee is paid, travelers will not incur additional charges for subsequent flights within a 10-day window, according to TSA’s announcement.

Purpose of the Fee

The funds raised through this new charge will support a modernized identity verification program. This program serves to authenticate the identities of travelers lacking TSA-approved ID, including the widely promoted REAL ID.

Cost of REAL ID in Oregon

For residents in Oregon, obtaining a REAL ID may prove more economical than facing the new fee. The REAL ID costs $30 in addition to the standard driver’s license fee, which is $64 for first-time applications and $54 for renewals.

Background on REAL ID Legislation

The REAL ID Act was established by Congress in 2005 as a response to the September 11 attacks, with an intended implementation date of 2008. However, enforcement has faced numerous delays. The Department of Homeland Security aims to enforce these requirements effectively; however, the situation has varied significantly.

Identification Requirements and Security Measures

The new TSA fee is applicable only to adults. Children will not be charged. TSA Senior Official Adam Stahl emphasized the importance of confirming travelers’ identities to enhance airport security and deter potential threats.

• Adults without the required ID must pay the fee and undergo additional screening.
• Children are exempt from these new fee requirements.

TSA remains committed to ensuring that every individual flying meets identity verification standards to maintain national security.