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.
