By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

PHOTO: The star in the corner of new IDs will be a requirement for those wishing to fly after October 2020. This sample ID was provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. (ALEA)

ALABAMA — On October 1, 2020, Alabama citizens travelling by air will be required to have a STAR ID. A regular driver’s license will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights.

Beginning on October 1 of next year, air travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license, one that meets the security standards set by the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. STAR ID (Secure, Trusted and Reliable) falls under the requirements set by the REAL ID Act. 

The STAR ID will also be required for admission to some federal facilities, including military bases.

Last week, Governor Ivey encouraged Alabama citizens to “not wait to the last minute” with getting the new IDs. 

Other forms of identification that will be accepted for flight are, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card and border crossing card. 

In order to get a STAR ID, drivers must show four documents to verify their date of birth, identity, Social Security number and address. Valid documents include: a birth certificate or valid passport, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and TWO documents showing your home address. 

Here is full list of acceptable documents to be issued a STAR ID (all data according to alea.gov):

• For identity and date of birth: a valid United States Passport; certified birth certificate; Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545; Valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS (Form I-766 or Form I-688B); 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 (Form N-550 or N-570); Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS (Form N-560 or N-561)
• For verification of Social Security numbers: 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
• For verification of address of principal residence: Voter Registration Card; Residential Mortgage Contract; Current Lease or Rental agreement for housing; Proof of payment of residential property tax (Homestead); 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 (Report of Separation); 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 or other document mailed to applicants physical address; Military Orders documenting duty station and place of residence.

STAR IDs began being issued in 2011, but less than 500,000 have been issued statewide. The new IDs are available at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Drivers License exam offices. County license and probate offices will be able to renew STAR IDs, but not issue them. They do not cost any more or less than a traditional driver’s license.