Grand Strand travelers react to TSA’s upcoming fee for passengers without acceptable ID

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Travelers across the country will soon be facing even higher travel costs if they do not have a REAL ID.

The Transportation Security Administration announced that beginning Feb. 1, 2026, all travelers without an acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or U.S. passport, who still wish to fly will have to pay a $45 fee.

The TSA said the fee covers the cost of a “modernized alternative identity verification system” that will verify the identity of travelers without a REAL ID.

A TSA spokesperson said travelers who have to use the identity verification process at the airport should expect delays, and encourages travelers to pay the fee online before traveling.

WMBF spoke to people traveling through Myrtle Beach International Airport to hear their opinions on the new fee.

“I think it’s a lot to fine people just to travel throughout the US, on top of the fares we’re already paying,” said Lindsey Socquet.

Vanda Frye said she believes people without REAL IDs likely did not have the time to get one, but it’s worth getting now.

“They’ve been asking us to do it for a while, so might as well get it done if you can,” Frye said.

Travelers also said having a REAL ID speeds up travel time at airports.

“Travel,” said Socquet, when asked why she likes having a REAL ID. “Definitely easier with the talk of them switching to having a REAL ID, and I travel a lot with work and going back and forth from home to here.”

One man who said he does not have a REAL ID yet said he feels forced to ahead of the fee’s implementation.

“If there’s gonna be a fine, it’s kind of like I’m forced to, you know?” said Jean A. “It’s like you gotta pay to play, kind of, and you’re forced to play.”

College student Emory Lovedahl said he’s glad he started the REAL ID process because the temporary ID he received while waiting has caused him to be delayed going through security at airports.

“They had pulled me aside and interviewed me and asked me things about my mom and what type of car she had, but before that, it took like 45 minutes just to get the paperwork, so if I had to connect to my flight, I would have been in a lot of trouble,” Lovedahl said.

For a list of forms of ID that do not incur a fee, click here.

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