Sample of a STAR ID
Photo by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Marla Jones, Managing Editor
ALABAMA--The U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) has extended the deadline for REAL ID (called STAR ID in Alabama) until May 7, 2025, in response to COVID-19. This makes the third extension by the DHS.
In Alabama, STAR ID stands for Secure, Trusted, and Reliable Identification. The federal government initiated this program in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.
“This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card,” he added. “DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”
Effective, May 7, 2025, a STAR ID, or REAL ID, will be required for anyone who does not have a passport, to board a plane for commercial domestic travel, go to a military base, or for anyone who enters certain regulated federal facilities.
STAR IDs are issued only at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License exam offices. County-operated license offices will continue to provide renewals/duplicates for licenses, ID cards, and STAR IDs.
To obtain a STAR ID in Alabama, you must present four documents to verify your identity, date of birth, Social Security, and address of residence. Those accepted documents are a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.
Any Alabama license or identification card issued on or after April 25, 2022, that is not compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005, will display “Not for Federal Identification”.
