Real ID is swiftly becoming the national equivalent of 'show me your papers' . It is being digitalized around the nation .

Apple and Trump's TSA announced digital Real ID is available . How convenient ! TSA new rule just posted in time for Thanksgiving penalizes travelers $18 without REAL ID .

Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.
Apple introduces Digital ID, a new way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet - Apple (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/)

Here in SC the legislation to digitize IDs is being debated in the legislature .

2025-2026 Bill 448: Electronic Driver's License System - South Carolina Legislature Online (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/448.htm)

We are a little late to the game because we fancy ourselves free

I'm guessing it will be mandatory within a year.

But wait there is more . After all ;travel is a privilege not a right .


If you want to avoid the new TSA fee but can't make time to go to the DMV yet, you may already have an acceptable alternative. According to the TSA, acceptable REAL ID alternatives include:


A U.S. passport (https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/how-to-add-your-passport-to-google-wallet)or passport card
Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or other trusted traveler card issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
A permanent resident card
A border crossing card
A Veteran Health Identification card
A photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
A USCIS Employment Authorization card

If you don't have any of those alternatives, you'll have to go through an additional screening process. In addition to planning for a possible $18 fee, expect the process to take longer than it would normally. That means showing up earlier than usual to make sure the additional screening doesn't cause you to miss your flight.



A New TSA Fee Is Coming for Travelers With No REAL ID | Kiplinger (https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/a-new-tsa-fee-is-coming-for-travelers-with-no-real-id)



For the $18 privilege of not having REAL ID the TSA will gladly take a biometric scan of your face in a kiosk . Don't worry . They won't keep it (uh huh)

Travelers would voluntarily provide biographical information and submit to a biometric scan as part of the program.
TSA May Soon Allow Travelers to Pass Security With Biometrics (https://www.govtech.com/products/tsa-may-soon-allow-travelers-to-pass-security-with-biometrics)

We are closer to the EU authoritarian system than we realize. I doubt even Trump understands it .

But enjoy Thanksgiving travel this year. It may be the last one you travel as a free American


Listen to Laura Ingraham and Michael Shellenberger discuss it start voluntary then it becomes mandatory . first rewards and then punishment .

Journalist warns of potential digital totalitarianism amid advent, push for digital IDs | Fox News Video (https://www.foxnews.com/video/6385078160112)

anomality on line ? If it goes to it's logical conclusion that too will end.
Even on X they are geo-locating their users .

Elon Musk's X rolls out feature that shows users' country of origin – then suddenly removes it | Mashable (https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-x-rolls-out-country-of-origin-profiles-then-removes-it)
They say they are troll hunting . But one can see how that can easily be abused.