SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama residents planning to fly soon will need to make sure they have the right ID in hand. Starting May 7, the federal REAL ID Act will go into effect, requiring enhanced identification—such as Alabama’s STAR ID—for air travel and other official purposes.
The STAR ID (Secure, Trusted, and Reliable) looks like a regular driver’s license but includes a gold star in the top corner, signifying compliance with REAL ID federal security standards. The new requirement applies to all airline passengers 18 and older boarding domestic commercial flights.
Alabama Secretary of Law Enforcement officials say that while many residents are already compliant, others still need to upgrade their licenses. Applications must be submitted in person at a driver license office and require specific documents such as proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also released a list of acceptable alternatives for those without a STAR ID. These include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, permanent resident card, and DHS Trusted Traveler cards like Global Entry or NEXUS.
Travelers without a compliant ID may be subject to delays, additional screening, and potentially denied access to TSA checkpoints.
“Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers,” the TSA said in a statement.
Residents are encouraged to act quickly as the May 7 deadline is less than two weeks away. More information about how to apply for a STAR ID can be found on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.