Those who travel frequently are well aware that REAL ID has been the required form of identification needed at TSA checkpoints for a while now. Many have upgraded their IDs to be compliant, while others are still using passports or other acceptable alternatives. But if a TSA proposal passes, there’ll be a whole new option in play that will allow passengers to bypass the REAL ID component entirely. It’ll cost them, though.
The TSA has proposed a rule that will allow passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification to entirely opt out and instead get a biometric scan at the screening checkpoint before they board of a flight.
To be clear, this rule is just at the proposal stage, according to the Federal Register, but should it pass the public comment phase and then agency review and ruling, it could come to pass as soon as January. 2026.
While TSA has been employing some biometric facial recognition at security checkpoints already for those who quality at participating airports, this new proposal would involve passengers using it as an alternative to REAL ID to pay an $18 fee.
It’s an effort to streamline and speed up the process for everyone, as those who do arrive at the checkpoint now without those compliant IDs have to go through additional screening, which slows down the lines and increases wait time for everyone. “The current alternative identity verification process is time and resource intensive,” TSA stated in its proposal.
As Apple recently announced their latest iPhone feature, which lets users input their passport information into their Apple Wallet as a form of digital passport, it appears digital ID is absolutely the future of travel.