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 TSA’s website HERE.
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 .
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.
