TSA introduces $45 fee option for travelers without a REAL ID

(NBC, KYMA) - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says travelers who approach airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID or passport will face a $45 fee starting February 1.

This is up from the $18 fee proposed last month.

The fee covers a ten-day travel window and flyers will be able to pay it online before arriving at the airport.

The TSA says the fee is necessary to cover the costs of enhanced ID verification system, and they warn those travelers without acceptable identification can expect delays.