STAR ID enforcement deadline approaching

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 17 April 2025 09:17

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) would like to remind Alabama residents that the REAL ID Act of 2005, will go into effect on May 7, 2025.But, what does this really mean? Alabamians planning to fly domestic in the United States (U.S.) or enter certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license (known as STAR ID in Alabama) or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.

“Currently, citizens who fly domestic are able to use their regular driver licenses or other photo identity cards issued by their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to board a plane,” explained Holley Cook, Director of ALEA’s Driver License Division. “However, the REAL ID Act changes this. If you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver license to fly within the U.S. then it must be REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025. In Alabama, the REAL ID is known as a STAR ID.”

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, aimed to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While a STAR ID is optional, travelers will need some form of federally accepted identification to board a domestic flight in the U.S. This includes a valid U.S. passport. Director Cook continued and explained, “If you don’t plan to fly or plan on visiting certain federal facilities, including some military installations, then a STAR ID is not necessary. Your regular Alabama driver license will continue to be valid for driving, voting, and other everyday activities. It is completely up to the individual if they wish to get a STAR ID or not.”

To avoid prolonged wait times, ALEA encourages citizens to schedule an appointment online for STAR ID services at alea.gov.

How do I get my STAR ID?
Individuals must visit an ALEA Driver License Exam Office in-person, with the appropriate documents to obtain a STAR ID.
Documents necessary include one document from each of the three following categories:
• Valid, unexpired United States Passport
•Certified Birth Certificate
•Consular Report of Birth Abroad
•Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
•Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS
•Unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. Visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States.
•Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
•Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS

One document from the following category:
•Social Security card
•United States Military Form DD 214
•Medicare/Medicaid Identification Card (if Social Security Number is followed by the letter A)
•W-2 Tax Form

One document from the following category:
•Valid Alabama Driver License or Identification Card
•Voter Registration Card
•Residential Mortgage
•Current Lease or Rental agreement for housing
•Proof of payment of residential property tax
•Previous year tax returns bearing applicants address
•Vehicle registration bearing applicants name and address
•Utility bill (Water, Gas, or Electric) less than 90 days old
•Any State or Federal Court documents indicating residence address
•School enrollment documentation
•Defense Department Form 214
•Sex offender registration documents
•Current Homeowners insurance policy with name and address
•Social Security benefits statements/summary mailed to physical address
•U.S. or State Government check
•Military Orders documenting duty station and place of residence.

What if my name has changed or documents feature the name of my spouse or parent?
If the applicant’s name has changed from the name displayed on the document presented to verify identity and date of birth, certified documents verifying this change are also required (ex. marriage certificate, adoption, court order). If utility bills or other similar documents feature the name of the applicant’s spouse or parent, the applicant must produce a marriage certificate or birth certificate verifying residence address.

How do I know if I already have the STAR ID or not?
To check if your Alabama driver’s license is a STAR ID, look for a gold star in the upper left corner. Licenses issued on or after April 25, 2022, that are not compliant with the REAL ID Act will display “Not for Federal Identification” at the top.

Can I Get My STAR ID After May 7?
Yes. While May 7, 2025, begins the enforcement period for TSA and federal facilities to begin enforcing the STAR ID requirement for domestic flights and access to federal buildings, you can still obtain your STAR ID after this date if you are not traveling immediately.

Does my teen need the STAR ID to fly?
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, since Alabama begins the licensing process with a learner license at age 15, STAR IDs may be issued to ages 15 years and up.

How much is a STAR ID?
The fee for a STAR ID is $36.25, the same as for a regular Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID card. If citizens choose to wait and obtain their STAR ID at the same time they are renewing their regular license, there is no additional fee from the standard $36.25 renewal fee.
For more information about the STAR ID and how to obtain it, visit the ALEA website or contact your nearest Driver License Exam Office.