The STAR ID In Alabama: What To Know As You Renew Your License

BIRMINGHAM, AL — With a new year comes renewals of car tags, credit cards, memberships and for many, drivers licenses. But renewing a license is not quite as easy as just heading to the courthouse and getting a new photo — not with the new requirements for Real ID cards.

Alabama's initiative to comply with the federal Real ID requirements for air travel is the STAR ID, which looks just like the old drivers licenses, but with a star in the upper left corner. According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, starting Oct. 1, 2020, every air traveler will be required to present a STAR ID (Secure, Trusted and Reliable).

STAR IDs are only issued at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Drivers License exam offices. County license and probate judges offices will provide renewals for STAR IDs but will not issue new IDs.

Here is what you need to get your STAR ID:

Date of Birth Verification

One of these:

Social Security Number Verification

One of these:

• Social Security card
• United States Military Form DD 214
• Medicare/Medicaid Identification Card (if Social Security Number is followed by the letter A)
• W-2 Tax Form

Address Verification

Two of these:

• Voter Registration Card
• Residential mortgage control
• Current lease or rental agreement for housing
• Proof of payment of residential property tax (homestead)
• Previous year tax returns bearing applicants address
• Vehicle registration bearing applicants name and address
• Utility bill (water, gas or electric) less than 90 days old
• Any state or federal court documents indicating residence address
• School enrollment documentation
• Defense Department Form 214 (Report of Separation)
• Sex offender registration documents
• Current homeowners insurance policy with name and address
• Social Security benefits statements/summary mailed to physical address
• U.S. or state government check or other document mailed to applicants physical address
• Military orders documenting duty station and place of residence.