🛫 TSA May Add $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

If you’re planning to fly out of Sea-Tac Airport in 2025, there’s an important update on the horizon that could affect your trip — and your wallet.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a new $18 fee for travelers who arrive at the airport without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport).

The proposed rule is currently in the public-comment phase, but if approved, it could take effect alongside the official REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025.

💳 What’s Changing?
Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need to show a REAL ID (or a passport, military ID, or other TSA-accepted identification) to get through security at any U.S. airport — including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

But if you show up unprepared, the TSA wants to give you one last option… for a price.

Here’s what they’re proposing:

• A $18 identity verification fee for travelers without acceptable ID

• Access to a new biometric identity verification system that scans facial features and checks them against federal databases

• The ability to still be screened — but no guarantee you’ll be allowed through

In other words: if you forget your ID or don’t upgrade your license before the deadline, you’ll have to pay, scan your face, and hope TSA can verify your identity.

🧠 What Is REAL ID, Again?
REAL ID is a federal security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, created after 9/11 to improve national safety.

REAL ID-compliant licenses typically have a star symbol in the upper corner. Washington residents can get a REAL ID by upgrading to an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) through the Department of Licensing.

📌 Pro tip: If your current license doesn’t have a star or say “Enhanced,” it’s probably not REAL ID compliant.

📍 Why This Matters for the South Sound
With Sea-Tac serving millions of travelers from Tacoma, Olympia, Lakewood, Lacey, and Federal Way, this policy could cause confusion or added costs if folks show up unprepared.

For frequent flyers and business travelers, it’s one more reason to check your documentation now — not the night before your flight.

For families, students, and occasional travelers, it's a reminder that the ID you’ve always used may not work anymore by this time next year.

📅 REAL ID Enforcement Begins: May 7, 2025
💵 Proposed ID Verification Fee: $18 (not yet final)
📸 Backup System: Facial biometrics, but not guaranteed access

✅ What To Do Now

• Check your license. If it’s not REAL ID compliant, consider upgrading to an Enhanced ID.

• Or, make sure your passport is valid and accessible for future travel.

• Don’t rely on the backup system — even with the $18 fee, TSA says there’s no guarantee they’ll verify you or let you board.

• If you have feedback on the proposed fee, you can submit a comment during the public-comment window at TSA.gov.

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor sharing stories about growth, development, and travel tips across the South Sound.
Every Friday, we publish the South Sound Report — covering what’s next for Tacoma, Olympia, Lakewood, and beyond.

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