TSA enforces REAL ID requirement at United States airports; travelers without Star ID face extended screening times and potential flight delays

May 8, 2025 (WHNT-TV) –

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — The much-anticipated May 7 deadline is now here for flyers.

"Today is the beginning of enforcement to have a Real ID or an Alabama Star ID to enter the TSA checkpoint and catch a flight at our airport and across the country," said Mary Swanstrom .

Swamstrom is Huntsville International Airport's public relations manager.

Many have lined up outside of DMVs across the country for weeks to get the Star ID before the deadline, but what does traveling look like for those fliers who don't have it?

"When TSA opened this morning, they did have separate lines for those who would have been Real ID compliant and then those who would not, because if you were not carrying a Real ID compliant ID or a Star ID , then you can expect extra screening," said Swanstrom.

TSA is recommending passengers without a proper ID come to the airport three hours early so they don't miss their flight.

Ro Patel flew from Houston to Huntsville this morning, she described long lines and many people getting turned away without the right ID.

"They had to go over there and fill out some kind of paperwork or something, and I could see the frustration on their face because they weren't prepared for the day," said Patel.

Because she flew out on the start date of enforcement, she said United Airlines sent her a courtesy text, reminding her to bring her Star ID or passport.

"It said, make sure you have a Star on your identification," she said. "Today is the day that it starts. It was a long text saying, 'Hey, go to this website, make sure your ID looks like this.'"

While TSA is offering the grace period of just extra screening, airport officials say they do not know how long it will last, so you should get your Star ID as soon as you can.

Airport officials say they had nearly 1500 passengers flying out Wednesday morning, and only 38 did not have a Star ID or a proper form of ID.

You can find proper forms of ID on the TSA website.