Governor Kay Ivey and Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Hal Taylor shared their message with Alabama residents on the importance of obtaining a STAR ID, which is a more secure identification to fly domestically on commercial aircraft and to enter military bases and certain federal facilities.

STAR ID, which was first introduced in the fall of 2011 and stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification, is fully compliant with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.

“One year from today, on Oct. 1, 2020, all air travelers will need a STAR ID for commercial domestic flights and to visit certain federal facilities. Those who hold a valid, unexpired U.S. passport may opt to use it for domestic air travel,” Governor Ivey said.

“If there is a chance you will need one, I encourage you to obtain this more secure version of Alabama’s driver license or non-driver ID card within the next few months to ensure you are prepared by the federal deadline,” she added.

An online press release noted, “STAR ID is Alabama’s version of the REAL ID program, developed about nine years ago to comply with federal legislation. In response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the ongoing threat of terrorist activity, the legislation modified federal law pertaining to security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for driver licenses and non-driver IDs.”

So far, more than 450,000 STAR IDs have been issued to residents in the Yellowhammer state.

“License commissioner and probate offices across the state will still offer driver license and ID renewals and duplicates, but you must visit one of our agency’s Driver License offices to obtain your first STAR ID,” Taylor said.

Those looking to obtain their first STAR ID will be turned away if they do not present the following paperwork to Driver License examiners: a birth certificate (original or certified copy) or valid, unexpired U.S. passport, a Social Security card and two documents verifying the address of principal residence. ALEA’s website features a list of accepted documents, as well as further information on the STAR ID program.

Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.