Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has launched the “Be Your REAL ID Self” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at educating citizens about the Secure, Trusted, and Reliable Identification (STAR ID), Alabama’s version of the REAL ID. With federal enforcement set to begin on May 7, 2025, ALEA is reminding residents of the importance of obtaining their STAR ID.
Starting May 7, 2025, Alabama residents will need a STAR ID or another federally approved identification to fly domestically and access certain federal facilities, including military bases. The STAR ID serves as a secure identification option under federal regulations, ensuring smoother travel and entry into government buildings.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “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.”
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. It also prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes.
ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer, explained the importance of compliance: “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. 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.”
Holley Cook, Director of ALEA’s Driver License Division, noted the exclusive availability of STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License Examining offices, advising citizens to locate their nearest office and plan ahead. “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.”
To assist with the STAR ID application process, ALEA offers an online guide with a checklist of requirements, necessary documents, and a list of ALEA Driver License Examining Office locations. Since STAR IDs cannot be issued online, residents must visit an ALEA office in person.
For more details on STAR ID requirements and frequently asked questions, visit Star ID | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
ALEA urges all Alabamians to be proactive in securing their STAR ID ahead of the federal deadline to ensure uninterrupted travel and access to federal facilities.
