There’s still time to get Alabama Star ID

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 26, 2015

The star in the top left of an Alabama Driver’s License designates its a Star ID. | Courtesy of ALEA

The star in the top left of an Alabama Driver’s License designates its a Star ID. | Courtesy of ALEA

Locals who haven’t gotten their Alabama Star ID now have more time.

The federal government has extended the deadline for the specialized IDs required by the Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID program.

The original deadlines were Dec. 1, 2014, for those born after Dec. 1, 1964, and Dec. 1, 2017, for those born before Dec. 1, 1964.

All current Alabama driver’s licenses and ID cards will be accepted for official federal purposes until at least the beginning of 2016, when the Department of Homeland Security will implement its enforcement phase.

Everyone will ultimately be required to use Star IDs to enter some federal facilities and to board commercial airplanes.

The program is in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the threat of additional terrorist activity.

Star IDs are available at any driver license examining office operated by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

To obtain a driver or learner license, applicants must be 16 or older.

The cost is $36.25 for a license.

In order to be issued a Star ID, applicants must validate their identity and date of birth, Social Security number and address by providing one of the following documents:

Identity and date of birth

• a valid, unexpired United States passport;

• a certified birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad;

• a valid permanent resident card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Naturalization Service;

• an unexpired employment authorization document;

• unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa;

• a certificate of naturalization issued by DHS;

• a certificate of citizenship issued by DHS;

• a compliant driver license or non-driver identification card;

Social security number

• a social security card;

• U.S. military identification card;

• U.S. military form DD214;

• medicare/medicaid ID card;

• W-2 tax form;

Address

• voter registration card;

• residential mortgage contact;

• current lease or rental agreement for housing;

• proof of payment of residential property tax;

• previous year tax returns;

• vehicle registration;

• utility bill, whether 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;

• sex offender registration documents;

• current homeowners insurance policy with name and address;

• social security benefits statements;

• U.S. or state government check or other document mail to applicants physical address; or,

• military orders documenting duty station and place of residence.

For more information on obtaining a Star ID, visit the department of public safety’s website at dps.alabama.gov, or call 1-877-567-1045.