Understanding the Importance of REAL ID

Beginning February 1, 2025, if you travel from Myrtle Beach International and other airports without a REAL ID, travelers will pay an additional fee of $45.

On Monday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed that 94% of airline travelers in the United States possess a REAL ID. Beginning February 1, the remaining 6% will be required to use a different method, which involves a fee.

Authorities stated that the charge is intended to offset the technological and administrative expenses associated with verifying the identities of travelers lacking a REAL ID-compliant document or an approved substitute.

TSA officials advise that travelers who do not comply with the new Confirm.ID procedure should be prepared to pay the fee and submit their documents via an upcoming TSA web portal, which will be available shortly, prior to arriving at the airport.

Travelers are required to have a copy of their Confirm.ID receipt when they arrive at the regular TSA line. After showing their non-compliant documents and evidence of completing the Confirm.ID process, they should be able to pass through the security checkpoint without any issues.

Travelers who haven’t finished the Confirm.ID process beforehand can still do so at the airport. TSA representatives typically anticipate that the ID verification will take around 10-15 minutes, though it may extend to as much as 30 minutes based on individual circumstances.

Signing up for Confirm.ID does not ensure that the TSA can confirm a traveler’s identity. Therefore, even after the fee is paid, there is still a possibility that travelers may be denied boarding if the government cannot complete the identity verification process.