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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, citizens who fly domestic are able to use their regular driver licenses or other photo identity cards issued by their state\u2019s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to board a plane,\u201d explained Holley Cook, Director of ALEA\u2019s Driver License Division. \u201cHowever, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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, \u201cIf you don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
To avoid prolonged wait times, ALEA encourages citizens to schedule an appointment online for STAR ID services at alea.gov.<\/p>\n
How do I get my STAR ID?
\nIndividuals must visit an ALEA Driver License Exam Office in-person, with the appropriate documents to obtain a STAR ID.
\nDocuments necessary include one document from each of the three following categories:
\n\u2022 Valid, unexpired United States Passport
\n\u2022Certified Birth Certificate
\n\u2022Consular Report of Birth Abroad
\n\u2022Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
\n\u2022Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS
\n\u2022Unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. Visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant\u2019s most recent admittance into the United States.
\n\u2022Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
\n\u2022Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS<\/p>\n
One document from the following category:
\n\u2022Social Security card
\n\u2022United States Military Form DD 214
\n\u2022Medicare\/Medicaid Identification Card (if Social Security Number is followed by the letter A)
\n\u2022W-2 Tax Form<\/p>\n
One document from the following category:
\n\u2022Valid Alabama Driver License or Identification Card
\n\u2022Voter Registration Card
\n\u2022Residential Mortgage
\n\u2022Current Lease or Rental agreement for housing
\n\u2022Proof of payment of residential property tax
\n\u2022Previous year tax returns bearing applicants address
\n\u2022Vehicle registration bearing applicants name and address
\n\u2022Utility bill (Water, Gas, or Electric) less than 90 days old
\n\u2022Any State or Federal Court documents indicating residence address
\n\u2022School enrollment documentation
\n\u2022Defense Department Form 214
\n\u2022Sex offender registration documents
\n\u2022Current Homeowners insurance policy with name and address
\n\u2022Social Security benefits statements\/summary mailed to physical address
\n\u2022U.S. or State Government check
\n\u2022Military Orders documenting duty station and place of residence.<\/p>\n
What if my name has changed or documents feature the name of my spouse or parent?
\nIf the applicant\u2019s 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\u2019s spouse or parent, the applicant must produce a marriage certificate or birth certificate verifying residence address.<\/p>\n
How do I know if I already have the STAR ID or not?
\nTo check if your Alabama driver\u2019s 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 \u201cNot for Federal Identification\u201d at the top.<\/p>\n
Can I Get My STAR ID After May 7?
\nYes. 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.<\/p>\n
Does my teen need the STAR ID to fly?
\nTSA 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.<\/p>\n
How much is a STAR ID?
\nThe fee for a STAR ID is $36.25, the same as for a regular Alabama driver\u2019s 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.
\nFor more information about the STAR ID and how to obtain it, visit the ALEA website or contact your nearest Driver License Exam Office.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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