MONTGOMERY, Ala. – One year ago, Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Secretary Hal Taylor were urging Alabamians to obtain their STAR ID by Oct. 1, 2020.
However, in response to COVID-19, President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to extend the deadline to obtain a STAR ID to Oct. 1, 2021. This allows all citizens an additional year to obtain the more secure form of identification as government offices reopen, and pandemic-related health guidelines are lifted.
STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification, is Alabama’s fully compliant version of the REAL ID Act of 2005. Federal legislation passed the REAL ID Act in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the ongoing threats of additional terrorist activity, as well as various immigration issues related to terrorism. The law modified U.S. federal law on security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver licenses and identification cards.
“By Oct. 1, 2021, all air travelers will need a STAR ID for commercial domestic flights and to visit certain federal facilities. Those who currently have an unexpired U.S. passport have the option to use it for domestic air travel,” Taylor said. “In the event you are required to utilize a STAR ID, I encourage you to visit our website – alea.gov – to schedule an appointment at one of ALEA’s Driver License Examining Offices within the next few months.”
Taylor emphasized citizens must visit one of ALEA’s offices to obtain their first STAR ID. License commissioners and probate offices across the state will continue to offer renewal and duplicate services for STAR ID, driver’s license and ID cards.
“It is also important to bring along required documents proving one’s identity,” he said. “Customers will need to 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 address of principal residence.”
A guide to required documents, frequently asked questions and further information on the STAR ID program may be found at www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/star-id.
