Alabama‘s two Democrats in Congress are calling for a six-month extension to the fast-approaching Star ID deadline.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, and Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, both signed onto a letter asking the Secretary of Homeland Security to give citizens more time to obtain updated identification.

The letter states that there have been many issues as citizens and DMVs have both struggled as the May 7 deadline to get a REAL ID, which is known as STAR ID in Alabama, draws near.

Obtaining the federal identification is said to be important to provide more security as travelers board domestic aircraft or try to enter federal buildings.

“Across the country—and particularly in rural districts—DMVs are struggling with long wait times, limited appointment availability, and staffing constraints that prevent many residents from obtaining REAL ID- compliant identification in time,” reads the letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “These difficulties are compounded by the cost burdens facing working families, many of whom cannot afford to take time off work or travel long distances to complete the required in- person process. Additionally, the limited capacity of DMV systems poses a disproportionate barrier for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those without consistent access to transportation.”

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the May 7 deadline is only the federal enforcement date meaning citizens can still obtain a Star ID afterwards.

“May 7 is the federal enforcement date,” the agency said. “This means if you are 18 and older and plan to fly domestically after May 7, or enter certain federal facilities, then you will need a form of federally accepted ID, which is a STAR ID, unexpired and valid passport/passport card, active military ID, etc.”

The letter from the congress members also contends that TSA could be put under further strain during the summer as travelers may be, “unaware that their current licenses will no longer meet federal identification requirements for boarding flights.”

“A six-month extension—shifting the deadline to November 7th, 2025—would give state and local agencies time to catch up with demand, help TSA prepare for smoother implementation, and allow the public to comply without undue hardship,” the letter says.

The letter was also signed by other Democratic lawmakers including Bennie G. Thompson, Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove.