REMINDER: STAR ID goes into effect May 7

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds Alabama residents that the REAL ID Act of 2005, will go into effect on May 7, 2025. This means 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. In 2012, Alabama began offering STAR IDs statewide to ensure those who wished to obtain a STAR ID were able, well before the federal deadline.

“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 or other approved ID. A complete list of acceptable forms of identification can be found on the TSA website.

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 alabamadl.alea.gov/

However, please be advised that STAR ID appointments are filling up fast in Alabama’s larger cities such as Huntsville, Birmingham and Mobile. If appointments are booked in your area, please check other nearby examining offices.

Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Jonathan Archer said, “As we approach the May 7, enforcement date, we continue to see an influx of citizens coming into our local

examining offices. We ask everyone to use patience when visiting our offices. We also want to clarify that May 7, simply begins the official enforcement period and is not the last day an individual can obtain their STAR ID. This date is the federal enforcement date of the REAL ID Act and citizens who have not obtained their STAR ID, will still have that ability even after May 7.”

“The STAR ID and the REAL ID Act ensures the safe and secure identification of not only Alabamians, but citizens across the country,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “While the STAR ID is only one of a variety of acceptable identification options, we strongly encourage individuals choosing to fly within the U.S. to take this step and obtain a STAR ID. Having a STAR ID well before your travel date will guarantee a smooth and worry-free experience.”