TSA will soon fine travelers for flying without a REAL ID

CHARLESTON — Personal ID enforcement at U.S. airports is about to get a little more "Real."

Air travelers who find themselves in the security line without a Real ID drivers license, or a compliant counterpart like a passport, military ID or permanent resident card, soon will be charged $45.

The change goes into effect in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced this week.

Whether traveling to or from South Carolina, passengers must present a driver's license with a star in the upper right corner , which denotes it's a Real ID, or an acceptable alternative to board a domestic flight. All travelers are required to have a Real ID-compliant form of identification, regardless of their TSA Pre Check and Global Entry status.

The updated ID has been mandatory since Ma