On May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept Alabama state-issued identifications that are not STAR ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present STAR ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints starting May 7.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not STAR ID (also known as REAL ID) compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of identification (e.g., a passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
TSA expects the number of passengers obtaining STAR IDs to steadily increase even after the deadline and compliance will continue with additional screening measures for those without a STAR ID until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability.
If their driver’s licenses are not STAR-compliant, travelers will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The Alabama STAR ID driver’s license and identification card have a small gold star at the upper left corner to indicate they meet federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
“We will enforce STAR ID in a manner that minimizes the impact to overall operations and especially for those passengers who are prepared with their STAR ID, passport or other acceptable form of ID,” said Tara Corse, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Alabama.
Alabama residents have the option to upgrade to a STAR ID or they can stick with an older standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
To get the STAR ID compliant license, Alabama residents must visit an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Exam Office in-person, with the appropriate documents to obtain a STAR ID. The Agency offers an online guide at: STAR-ID, designed to assist with the STAR ID application process, as well as to determine eligibility. The online guide also provides ALEA Driver License Examining Office locations across the state.
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