FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Without a REAL ID, air travelers could soon have a real problem. Since May, airports in California have been asking passengers for the federally approved identification at security checkpoints. “Travelers 18 years and older now need to have a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification to go through security screening,” said Vickie Calderon, a media and public relations officer at the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport. On Wednesday, the TSA proposed another option: if you don’t have an ID that they accept, you can pay $18 as a workaround. The TSA has proposed a biometric kiosk system as an option to verify identity if a traveler does not have a Real ID but pays the fee. The payment would be valid for 10 days for domestic travel. The TSA says it’s the next step in REAL ID compliance, first signed into law 20 years ago to heighten safety in airports. “I do think it makes sense. Only because it’s so easy to get a driver’s license. And they last for a really long time,” said Roger Schreiner, who was travelling through Fresno’s airport on Wednesday. Other travelers Action News spoke to on Wednesday were concerned that the new system may cause problems. “It definitely would cause holdups,” said Kelli Davenport, who is visiting family in Fresno. “I already have my REAL ID, so I don’t think it would impact me. But for others. I think that could hinder them. Especially with the fee. Additionally, the agency said biometric screening is not a guarantee that all identities will be verified. Travelers could face additional security measures and encounter delays. After announcing the proposal on Wednesday, the TSA reminded Americans that this newest compliance with REAL ID has been in the works for decades. “This notice serves as a next step in the process in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary Noem as of May 2025. TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints. Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days,” said the agency.
https://abc30.com/post/travelers-real-ids-could-face-more-problems-airports-tsa-proposes-new-compliance/18178537/