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Madison County clerk urges travelers to avoid $45 identity-verification fee
Summary
Madison County Clerk Mike Kebbell advised that the TSA charges a $45 identity-verification fee for passengers without Real ID-compliant identification and recommended applying online at least two days before travel or visiting the county clerk's office for help.
Madison County Clerk Mike Kebbell advised residents that travelers without a Real ID or other federally approved identification may face a $45 identity-verification fee to board U.S. flights.
Kebbell said the fee applies if a passenger does not have “a Real ID or an enhanced driver's license or a passport or a military ID or a permanent resident card or any other federally approved Real ID compliant documents.” He added that having one of those documents will allow a traveler to avoid the fee.
The clerk urged people to check the Transportation Security Administration website for the full list of acceptable identification before paying the charge. “I encourage you to look at that before you spend the $45,” Kebbell said.
Kebbell gave practical timing advice for anyone who must complete the online vetting process: “I recommend doing it 2 days before your flight because if you get questions wrong ... you get locked out for 24 hours if you give too many wrong answers.” He warned that attempting verification the day of travel could prevent boarding if the applicant is locked out or otherwise unable to complete the process in time.
He also noted the verification is time-limited: travelers away longer than 10 days should expect to obtain the verification again for their return flight. “So if you're going for a 2 week vacation ... make sure that you're aware there's gonna be a $45 fee to get on the plane the first time and a $45 fee to fly back,” Kebbell said.
For residents who already have the required proof documents but need a Real ID credential, Kebbell invited them to the Madison County clerk's office in Wansville for in-person assistance: “If you have your proof documents and you haven't done it yet, come on in our office. We'd be happy to take care of you at Wansville and get you bumped up to that real ID compliant document.”
Kebbell closed the message urging listeners to share the information with friends and family and offering a sign-off. The clerk did not announce changes to local fees or office hours in this message; callers or visitors should use Madison County clerk channels for specific appointment details.
