Alabama STAR ID deadline is nearly here: Can you fly without one?
Alabama travelers now have exactly one month to get their STAR IDs to fly in the U.S.
Starting on May 7, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the 2005 REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Without their REAL ID, travelers will have to bring an Enhanced ID or passport in order to board any flight in the U.S.
STAR – which stands for Secure, Trusted, Reliable – is part of the Real ID Act, which modifies federal laws dealing with security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver licenses and identification cards.
Alabama STAR IDs will look like traditional driver licenses except with a gold star in the upper left corners.
“The STAR ID also serves as a secure identification option under federal guidelines, ensuring that travelers and visitors can navigate air travel and enter federal buildings seamlessly,” reads a previous ALEA release.
Residents can apply for STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License examining offices. You can see a list of those here.
Applicants must present four documents to verify identity/date of birth, Social Security number and address of principal residence.
Among the accepted documents are a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization.
Other documents will be needed to verify Social Security number and address. You can see a complete list of accepted documents here.