HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — All Americans who want to travel domestically must have Real ID, known in Alabama as "Star ID", by May 3, 2023.
Originally, all U.S. citizens were supposed to have it by October 1, 2020, but that deadline was extended due to the COVID pandemic.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. Individual state IDs were introduced at different times.
Star ID, Alabama's name for its Real ID, was introduced in 2011. Madison County License Director, Mark Craig, said this ID will ensure passenger's safety. Both state ID cards and drivers licenses are available as Star ID and can be used for travel. You can get your Star ID at a state drivers license office and for more information, visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's website.
If you do not have a Star ID, you can also travel domestically with a current passport. Passports are still required for international travel.