Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA's $45 Penalty

SPRINGFIELD – With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID. “With costs rising across the board, Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay a $45 penalty just to get on a plane, especially when that fee is higher than some flights themselves,” Giannoulias said. “We’re doing everything possible to remove barriers, save people time and make getting a REAL ID simple and stress-free. With a REAL ID in your wallet, you avoid TSA’s penalty entirely and skip a massive travel headache.” To expand access, the office has extended the lease on its REAL ID walk-in Supercent