ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Starting Feb. 1, travelers without a REAL ID will be required to pay a $45 fee each time they fly, according to new TSA policy changes.

The fee applies to passengers who don’t have a REAL ID and are flying domestically, unless they have another form of valid identification. Albert J. Ellis Airport Director Mitch Sprunger said he doesn’t expect the requirement to change anytime soon.

“Go ahead and get a REAL ID. I don’t think it’s going away,” Sprunger said.

Travelers can pay the fee online or at the airport for a travel period of up to 10 days. REAL IDs started being enforced by TSA on May 7th, 2025.

Since then, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification has been required for flying. This fee will only apply to those without one.

“If someone were

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