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 regis

See Full Page