MONTGOMERY -- Alabama’s STAR ID driver license or identification card is optional -- and not required to vote.
Anyone age 18 or older who plans to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a secure federal building or visit a military installation* on and after Oct. 1, 2020, however, must obtain one if he or she does not have another federally approved identification (valid unexpired U.S. passport or military ID) to use for those purposes.
*You must have a reason to visit a military installation and even with a REAL ID, you may be subject to additional visitor control measures once on site.
A STAR ID is not required to do any of the following:
- Drive
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you’re entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (post office, for example)
- Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
- Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)
Anyone who has a valid unexpired U.S. passport, military ID or another federal identification accepted for airport security clearance may use one of these forms rather than add the STAR to the standard Alabama driver license or ID.
*For a list of TSA-approved identification alternatives, visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
