Thousands of Charlotte-area travelers who still fly without a REAL ID or passport will soon be charged $18 at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration has announced a new automated identity-verification system that will replace its current manual process — and travelers who need it will pay.
New System Coming Soon
The fee is part of a major TSA overhaul approved in federal filings last week. The modernized program will use travelers’ biographic or biometric information to verify identity when no federally compliant ID is presented. TSA said the upgrade is necessary to streamline security and move away from the slow call-center system currently used.
How the Fee Works
Travelers who forget or lack a REAL ID, passport, or other accepted credential will be able to register for the system at security and pay the non-refundable $18 charge.
Key points:
-
Verification is valid 10 days, then another fee is required.
-
The fee will not be refunded, even if TSA denies access.
-
Additional screening may still occur.
-
Repeated use may be limited if a traveler routinely arrives without proper ID.
Why It Matters for Charlotte
Charlotte Douglas International Airport processes thousands of passengers each week who need special identity verification, causing frequent delays at security checkpoints. TSA says the technology upgrade will increase capacity — but at a cost to travelers.
REAL ID requirements, passed more than 20 years ago, are still rolling out nationwide. Many North Carolina residents continue to fly without compliant IDs due to DMV wait times and backlogs, leaving them vulnerable to extra fees once the new system launches.
What Travelers Should Do
Charlotte passengers should prepare by:
-
Obtaining a REAL ID at NCDMV locations;
-
Bringing a valid passport or accepted ID when flying;
-
Monitoring TSA updates at tsa.gov and federalregister.gov.
