Starting Sunday, travelers without a federal REAL ID will be subject to a $45 processing fee at airport security checkpoints, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new policy is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the REAL ID Act, which establishes stricter standards for state-issued identification used for federal purposes, including air travel.

The fee will apply to passengers who present standard driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet REAL ID requirements. TSA officials said the charge will cover additional verification and screening procedures necessary to confirm identity for individuals using non-compliant credentials. The agency also cautioned that travelers without REAL ID may face longer wait times at checkpoints.

REAL ID-compliant identification includes a star symbol in the upper portion of the card. In Washington state, residents can obtain an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) that qualifies as REAL ID-compliant through the Department of Licensing. According to the agency, EDLs can be used for domestic flights and for re-entry into the United States at land and sea borders.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the nationwide REAL ID enforcement deadline several times in recent years, most recently setting it for May 2025. Following the new TSA rule, travelers out of Portland International Airport (PDX) or regional airports such as Longview’s Southwest Washington Regional Airport (KLS) are advised to verify their ID status ahead of future flights to avoid additional fees or delays.

For official details on obtaining a compliant ID, residents can visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID information page or the Washington State Department of Licensing website.

(Original source reporting by KGW.)