US REAL ID $45 Fee Imposed
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Dec 01, 2025 · Last updated Dec 02, 2025
The new $45 fee imposed by the United States — Social Security Administration for air travelers without a REAL ID will likely increase costs for a small percentage of travelers, potentially causing minor disruptions and delays at airports. This could have a slight negative impact on the travel industry, particularly for airlines, as some travelers might be deterred or face additional expenses.
The United States — Social Security Administration (United States — Social Security Administration) announced a new $45 fee for air travelers in the United States (United States) who do not possess a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, effective February 1. This fee is for using the alternative 'Confirm.ID' identity verification system. The REAL ID, mandated after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, has been required since May, but passengers without it were previously allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The United States — United States Department of Homeland Security (United States — United States Department of Homeland Security) reports that 94% of passengers are already compliant. The fee, initially proposed at $18, was raised to $45 to cover the higher-than-anticipated costs of the alternative identification program. Adam Ståhl, a senior official for the United States — Social Security Administration, stated that the fee ensures the cost of verification is borne by the traveler, not the taxpayer. The verification covers a 10-day travel period, and payment can be made online before arriving at the airport. Digital IDs from platforms like Apple Wallet (Apple Wallet), Google Wallet (Google Wallet), and Samsung Wallet (Samsung Wallet) are also accepted at over 250 airports.
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