Today the Department of Homeland Security has implemented TSA biometric screening, specifically targeting travelers who do not have the REAL ID or passport identification.

Here is the breakdown of the new proposal and the broader context of biometric screening at airports.

TSA Biometric Screening: $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

On November 20, 2025, the TSA published a proposal in the Federal Register to create a “modernized alternative identity verification program.”

• Who it affects: Travelers who arrive at the airport without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or other acceptable government ID.
• The Rule: If you do not have a valid ID, you can no longer simply answer security questions to get through. Instead, you must voluntarily submit to a biometric scan (likely facial recognition) and pay a non-refundable $18 fee.
• How it works:
  • You pay the fee to use a biometric kiosk.
  • The system attempts to verify your identity using your biometric data and biographical information against the Secure Flight watch list.
  • If verified, you are allowed into the screening area. The clearance is valid for 10 days.
  • Note: Payment does not guarantee entry; if the system cannot match you, you will not be allowed to fly.

TSA Biometric Screening: Facial Recognition for All Travelers

Aside from the specific new fee proposal, the TSA has been aggressively expanding general biometric screening for all passengers throughout 2025. You may have already encountered this at major hubs (like O’Hare or Atlanta).

• What it is: TSA agents use “CAT-2” units (Credential Authentication Technology). You insert your ID, and a camera scans your face to match it to your ID photo.
• Is it mandatory? Not yet. For standard travelers (who do have their ID), facial recognition is currently voluntary. You can opt out by telling the TSA officer you would like a manual ID check instead.
• Privacy Concerns: This expansion has triggered significant pushback. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 was introduced in Congress to limit this technology, with lawmakers like Senator Jeff Merkley arguing it risks creating a “national surveillance state.”

Summary of Changes

Feature	Standard Screening	New Proposal (No Valid ID)
Requirement	Valid REAL ID or Passport	No valid ID present
Biometrics	Facial scan (Voluntary/Opt-out available)	Mandatory to fly
Cost	Free (included in ticket)	$18 Fee
Wait Time	Standard	Potential delays for verification

Why is this happening now?

This is largely driven by the REAL ID Act, which reached full enforcement in May 2025. The TSA needs a standardized, automated way to handle the small percentage of travelers who forget or lose their IDs, as manual phone verification is time-consuming and costly.