Archive · 17 Jan 2026
TSA to charge $45 fee for non-REAL ID at North Carolina airports
Starting February 1, the TSA will charge a $45 fee to people who are 18 or older and try to board a flight at North Carolina airports without a REAL ID or another approved ID.
After January 31, if you don't have a REAL ID, you'll have to pay this fee to board your flight.
The TSA says this is important for keeping travel safe.
More than half of North Carolina residents already have a REAL ID, and the state has been issuing them for almost nine years.
If you don't have one, you can check if you need it and what documents you need at NCREALID.gov.
TSA will charge a $45 fee to passengers aged 18+ without REAL ID starting February 1 at North Carolina airports.
Passengers without REAL ID will not be allowed to board flights after January 31 without paying the fee.
More than 5 million North Carolina residents (58%) already have a REAL ID.
The TSA emphasizes that verifying identity is crucial for transportation security.
Residents can check if they need a REAL ID and required documentation at NCREALID.gov.
- Who
- Passengers aged 18 or above without REAL ID
- What
- TSA to charge $45 fee for boarding without REAL ID
- When
- Starting February 1
- Where
- North Carolina airports
- Why
- To verify identity and ensure transportation security
- Fee Amount
- $45
- Start Date
- February 1
- Affected Individuals
- Passengers aged 18 or above without REAL ID
- REAL ID Holders in North Carolina
- 5 million (58%)
- Website for REAL ID Information
- NCREALID.gov
