Dothan, ALA – Several members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation have formally requested the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extend the enforcement deadline for the STAR ID, the state’s version of the federal REAL ID. The lawmakers sent a letter to the Department on May 2, urging for a six-month delay in the enforcement of the identification requirement, which is currently set for May 7.
The letter, signed by Reps. Shomari Figures, Ro Khanna, Terri A. Sewell, Bennie G. Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, highlights significant challenges faced by residents attempting to meet the deadline. According to the lawmakers, long lines, limited appointments, and insufficient staffing at Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices are creating barriers for people attempting to obtain the necessary ID. They argue that the situation is particularly difficult for working families who may struggle to take time off or travel long distances to complete the in-person process.
“These difficulties are compounded by the cost burdens facing working families, many of whom cannot afford to take time off work or travel long distances to complete the required in-person process,” the letter reads.
In addition to these challenges, the lawmakers note that the state’s DMVs are operating with outdated systems, which further complicates the process for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those without reliable access to transportation.
With the May 7 deadline fast approaching, the delegation expressed concerns about the impact the enforcement could have on air travel. The lawmakers warned that the increased number of passengers expected for the summer travel season could overwhelm TSA security procedures. They emphasized that many travelers may be unaware that their current driver’s licenses will no longer meet federal requirements for boarding flights, leading to confusion and longer wait times at security checkpoints.
“The imposition of the May 7 REAL ID deadline during this peak travel period threatens to further strain an already overextended system,” the letter states. “Without flexibility, we risk creating longer lines at security checkpoints, avoidable delays at airports, and considerable confusion among travelers.”
Given these concerns, the members of Congress are urging the Department of Homeland Security to extend the enforcement deadline until November 7. They argue that this additional time would allow state and local agencies to process the high volume of requests and would provide TSA with the opportunity to prepare for a smoother implementation.
If granted, the extension would give Alabama residents more time to obtain the required ID without disrupting travel plans or overwhelming DMV offices.
As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether the Department of Homeland Security will grant the requested extension.
