With approximately two months remaining, Alabamians are urged to obtain their Secure, Trusted, and Reliable Identification (STAR ID) before the May 7, 2025, deadline. The STAR ID, Alabama’s equivalent of the REAL ID, will be required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities, including military installations.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, sets security standards for state-issued identification. After the deadline, standard Alabama driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for these federal purposes. Travelers without a STAR ID will need an alternative form of federally approved identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board flights or enter restricted federal buildings.
Alabamians must visit an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Examining Office in person, as STAR IDs cannot be issued online. Not all locations offer STAR ID services, so individuals should check availability at www.alea.gov.
To apply, individuals must bring:
- Proof of identity (e.g., certified birth certificate or valid passport)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2)
- Two documents proving Alabama residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
With the deadline approaching, ALEA advises residents to apply as soon as possible to avoid long wait times and potential processing delays. Those who fail to obtain a STAR ID in time may face travel disruptions and difficulty accessing federal facilities.
For more details and frequently asked questions, visit ALEA.
