In response to acts of terrorism committed against the United States, and in an effort to ensure the safety of citizens, Congress passed the REAL-ID Act of 2005. To comply with that act, the Alabama Department of Public Safety has developed a driver license and identification program called STAR ID.
"Secure, Trusted, And Reliable," STAR ID was launched in the Montgomery area in October as part of a pilot project. Beginning Monday, Feb. 13, it will be available at each of Public Safety's Driver License examining offices across the state.
All current Alabama driver licenses and non-driver ID cards will be accepted for official federal purposes until Dec. 1, 2014. Beginning on that date, however, individuals born after Dec. 1, 1964, will be required to have a REAL-ID-compliant document* to board a domestic flight or to gain access to certain federal facilities that require identification. On Dec. 1, 2017, individuals born on or before Dec. 1, 1964, will be required to be in compliance.
It is also important to note that to obtain such a secure form of identification, individuals will be required to present additional original documents specified by the REAL-ID Act of 2005 to verify identity and date of birth, authorized presence in the United States and address of principal residence. And, unlike traditional Alabama driver license and non-driver ID cards, STAR ID will be issued only at Public Safety's Driver License examining offices - not at probate or license commissioners' offices.
You may find more information by visiting dps.alabama.gov and clicking on the STAR ID icon or by calling 877-567-1045.
*Those individuals who hold a valid U.S. passport may use this document in place of the required REAL ID-compliant identification.
