People will soon need a REAL ID, known in Alabama as a STAR ID, or a passport for all domestic flights, according to a recent TSA release.
Starting on May 7, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft, the release says.
It adds that this final rule will provide the necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.
“Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the release.
“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant.
“We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.”
STAR – which stands for Secure, Trusted, Reliable – is part of the Real ID Act of 2005 that modifies federal laws dealing with security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver licenses and identification cards.
STAR IDs will look like traditional driver licenses except with a gold star in the upper left corners.
In Alabama, people can apply for STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License examining offices.
Applicants must present four documents to verify identity/date of birth, Social Security number and address of principal residence.
Among the accepted documents are valid, unexpired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.
Other documents will be needed to verify Social Security number and address.
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Local examining offices are the trooper posts at both Jacksonville on highway 21 and the courthouse in Talladega. You can access the list of documents needed to obtain the STAR on your ID and schedule an appointment at www.alea.gov.