HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — TSA officials will not be extending the start of REAL ID. Starting on May 7, a REAL ID will be required to board an airplane in the United States.
At the Huntsville International Airport, officials tell News 19 that TSA staff are getting ready to start enforcement. However, it may be a challenge because only 31% of Alabamians have a STAR ID, which is Alabama’s version of a REAL ID.
“We’re kind of in the lowest percentage in the United States,” said Tara Corse, the Federal Security Director for the State of Alabama.
She said 69% of Alabamians do not have a STAR ID.
Corse said if you arrive at the airport on or after May 7 without a STAR ID (or another acceptable form of identification), you may be denied entry to the terminal.
“They’re going to face significant delays, they’re going to have to go through an enhanced verification process and if that enhanced verification process doesn’t mitigate it, that individual will be denied entry into the checkpoint,” Corse told News 19.
As an alternative to a REAL ID, the TSA will also accept:
- A U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- A Department of Defense Card
- A DHS Trusted Traveler Card
- An Enhanced Driver’s License
On Tuesday, News 19 stopped by the ALEA Driver’s License Examiner’s Office in Huntsville. Even in the pouring rain, a long line led out the door.
Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reminds people that only Driver’s License Examiner’s Offices are issuing STAR IDs. He said STAR IDs are available at about 75 ALEA offices across the state.
He said while he encourages everyone to get one in a timely fashion, that if you do not have any upcoming travel plans, or if you have other approved identification, to may wait until the crowds die down.
“I encourage you, if you’re not going to be flying anytime soon, wait till after some of the crowd die down to go get your Star ID,” Bailey said. “You can still, if there’s an emergency, use your passport.”
Bailey said to make sure you have all of the proper documentation when you go to get a STAR ID. Including any documents, such as a marriage license or divorce decree, that indicate a name change from your original birth certificate.
You can click here to go to the ALEA website. You can click here to go to the TSA website.
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