MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) this week announced its participation in the “Be Your REAL ID Self” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at educating residents about the Secure, Trusted, and Reliable Identification (STAR ID), Alabama’s equivalent of the REAL ID. As the May 7, 2025, federal enforcement period quickly approaches, ALEA said, it is committed to reminding residents of the importance of obtaining their STAR ID.
Starting May 7, 2025, Alabama residents will need a STAR ID or an acceptable federal identification to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities, including military installations. 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.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “The STAR ID represents Alabama’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure identification for our citizens. It meets federal requirements under the REAL ID Act, providing enhanced security measures that align with national standards. Taking the extra step to obtain a STAR ID will guarantee a smoother travel experience and provide greater peace of mind as we move closer to the May 2025 enforcement deadline.”
Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
“If you plan to get on a flight in the United States and use your driver’s license to verify your identity to board the plane, it must be Real ID compliant. Meaning, if you are a resident of Alabama, it must be a STAR ID,” explained ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer. “As part of the ‘Be Your REAL ID Self’ campaign, we encourage all Alabamians to go ahead and obtain a STAR ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities. The STAR ID offers enhanced security and ensures compliance with federal regulations.”
ALEA encourages all residents to visit www.alea.gov, to locate their nearest Driver License Examining Office, as not all Driver License Offices across the state are able to issue a STAR ID. Due to the federal requirements, STAR ID cannot be issued through online services.
Director of ALEA’s Driver License Division, Holley Cook, said, “STAR IDs are exclusively available at ALEA Driver License Examining offices, so citizens are urged to locate their nearest office and plan their visit accordingly. To avoid long wait times, it’s recommended to make an appointment and to come prepared with the required documentation, which includes proof of identity, residency and legal presence.”
The Agency offers an online guide designed to assist with the STAR ID application process, as well as to determine eligibility. The online guide includes a checklist for requirements, a list of necessary documents and a list of ALEA Driver License Examining Office locations across the state. Access the guide at https://al.accessgov.com/star-id/Forms/Page/star-id/star-id.
For detailed information on obtaining a STAR ID and frequently asked questions, visit www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/star-id.
