Time Is Running Out To Secure Alabama STAR ID Card

STAR ID Deadline Extended to May 7, 2025: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the enforcement deadline for the REAL ID Act, now set for May 7, 2025. This extension is a response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, giving residents more time to obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification. For Alabama residents, this means getting the STAR ID, which is the state’s version of the federally-compliant REAL ID.

What Is the STAR ID?

The STAR ID is an enhanced driver’s license or identification card issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) that meets all federal standards outlined by the REAL ID Act of 2005. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a STAR ID or another form of federally-approved identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

Unlike a standard Alabama driver’s license, a STAR ID meets additional security features and ensures compliance with federal identification standards. It’s important to note that, while STAR IDs are required for air travel and federal facility access, they are not mandatory for other everyday activities such as voting or state services.

Why the May 2025 Deadline Matters

After May 7, 2025, all air travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant ID to board domestic flights. In Alabama, this means you will need a STAR ID, or another acceptable form of identification such as a U.S. passport, for air travel. If you do not have an updated STAR ID or a passport, you will not be able to board commercial flights or enter certain regulated federal facilities, such as military bases or federal courthouses.

If you already have an Alabama driver’s license or ID that was issued on or after April 25, 2022, and it is not a STAR ID, your ID will have the notation "Not for Federal Identification" on it. This means that the card does not comply with the REAL ID Act and will not be accepted for federal purposes starting in 2025.

How to Get Your STAR ID

To obtain your STAR ID, you must visit an ALEA Driver License Examining Office. Please note that county-operated license offices only handle renewals and duplicates for STAR IDs, not initial issuances. At the ALEA office, you will need to present several documents to prove your identity and residency:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., a Social Security card or tax documents)
• Proof of Alabama residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)

If you already have an Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID, the STAR ID can be issued when you renew your license, but it must be done at an ALEA exam office. It's advisable to check your local office’s hours and make an appointment, as wait times may increase as the deadline nears.

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STAR ID Availability After May 7, 2025

Though the deadline for federal enforcement is May 7, 2025, STAR IDs will still be available for issuance at ALEA offices after that date. However, it’s essential to secure your STAR ID before the deadline to ensure you can travel and access federal facilities without any issues.

Other Forms of ID

While a STAR ID will be required for most domestic air travel, there are other acceptable forms of identification that meet the REAL ID standards. These include a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a U.S. military ID. However, obtaining a STAR ID is often the most convenient option for residents who do not already have one of these alternative IDs.

Key Dates to Remember:

• May 7, 2025: The enforcement deadline for REAL ID-compliant IDs, including the STAR ID, for air travel and access to federal facilities.
• April 25, 2022: Any Alabama ID issued after this date that is not a STAR ID will be marked "Not for Federal Identification" and will not be accepted for federal purposes after May 2025.