DOTHAN, Ala. — With the May 7th enforcement deadline rapidly approaching, Alabama residents are scrambling to obtain their STAR ID before the new identification requirement goes into effect. The state troopers’ office in Dothan has seen an influx of people eager to ensure they meet the deadline, as failure to do so could disrupt their ability to fly domestically, enter military facilities, or access government buildings.
The STAR ID is part of the Real ID Act passed in 2005, which seeks to enhance national security by standardizing identification requirements across the country. Alabama residents without the new form of identification will not be permitted to board flights or enter secure federal facilities after the enforcement date.
Although the deadline is just days away, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney reassured the public that the May 7th date is not as urgent as it may seem. “May 7th is not a deadline; it is simply the enforcement date,” McKinney explained. “There’s nothing to worry about unless you plan on traveling within the next three months. In that case, it’s a good idea to get the STAR ID now.”
For those still needing to obtain the STAR ID, McKinney advises visiting a driver’s license examiner’s office. While walk-ins are welcome, the ALEA recommends scheduling an appointment online to help expedite the process.
To obtain the STAR ID, applicants must present several documents, including a birth certificate to confirm their identity, a Social Security card, and two pieces of mail showing proof of residency within Alabama. McKinney emphasized the importance of bringing all required documentation to avoid delays.
Additionally, a warning has been issued about a growing online scam that claims individuals can apply for the STAR ID via the internet. According to McKinney, this information is false; applicants must go in person to the ALEA office to receive the new identification.
As the enforcement date draws near, many Wiregrass residents continue to fill the ALEA office in Dothan, hoping to secure their STAR ID before the May 7th deadline. Those who have yet to apply are encouraged to act soon to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for domestic travel and access to federal facilities.
