Alabama REAL ID Deadline is Near: How to Know If Your License is Compliant

By Patrick Steele On Mar 22, 2025

The clock is ticking for the REAL ID Act compliance, and if you live in Alabama, it’s time to make sure your state-issued ID meets federal standards. Starting May 7, 2025, every American will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. If you’re unsure whether your Alabama ID is REAL ID compliant, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

🛫 What is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as part of a post-9/11 effort to strengthen federal security. It sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. After the deadline, only REAL ID-compliant credentials will be accepted for certain federal purposes, including:

Boarding commercial airplanes (domestic flights)
Entering nuclear power plants
Entering certain federal facilities and military bases

Without a REAL ID, you’ll need a passport or another federally approved identification document to access these services.

🔍 How Do You Know If Your Alabama ID Is REAL ID Compliant?

A REAL ID-compliant Alabama license or ID card will feature a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. If your ID does not have this star, it is not REAL ID compliant.

Here’s how to check your ID:

Look at the top-right corner of your card:
- ✅ If you see a gold star, you’re good to go — your license is REAL ID compliant.
- ❌ If you see “Not for Federal Identification” or nothing at all in that corner, it’s time to upgrade.
Check the issue date:
- Alabama started issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses, called STAR ID, in 2011. If your license was issued before then, it’s definitely not compliant.
Visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website:
- Visit www.alea.gov and navigate to the Driver License Division.
- Use their tools to determine the status of your ID or make an appointment to upgrade.

🏢 What is Alabama’s STAR ID?

Alabama’s version of the REAL ID is called a STAR ID (Secure, Trusted and Reliable ID). It meets all federal REAL ID requirements and is issued by ALEA. You can get it by applying at ALEA Driver License Examining Offices, not your local probate office or license commissioner.

📄 Documents Required for a STAR ID in Alabama

To apply for a STAR ID, you must visit an ALEA office in person and bring the following documents:

Proof of identity (e.g., valid U.S. passport or certified birth certificate)
Social Security card (or a W-2/1099 with full SSN)
Two proofs of residency in Alabama (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement)
Name change documents, if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree)

Make sure the documents are original or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

🕒 When is the Deadline?

The federal deadline for REAL ID enforcement is:

📅 May 7, 2025

After this date, you will not be allowed to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings using a non-compliant driver’s license or ID.

If you wait too long, you may face long lines and delays at ALEA offices as the deadline approaches.

✈️ Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly Domestically?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to board domestic commercial flights. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to use another federally accepted ID like:

A valid U.S. passport
A Department of Defense ID
A permanent resident card

💳 What’s the Difference Between a Regular License and a REAL ID?

Feature	Regular License	REAL ID (STAR ID)
Federal Facility Access	❌ No	✅ Yes
Domestic Flight Boarding	❌ No	✅ Yes
Gold Star on License	❌ No	✅ Yes
Issued at Local Probate Office	✅ Yes	❌ No (ALEA Only)

🚗 Can You Still Drive Without a REAL ID?

Yes, a non-REAL ID license will still allow you to:

Drive legally
Vote
Purchase alcohol or tobacco (if of age)

But it will not be accepted for boarding flights or entering federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

🧾 How Much Does a STAR ID Cost in Alabama?

A STAR ID costs the same as a regular Alabama license or ID card.
The standard fee is $36.25 for a driver’s license.
If you’re renewing or upgrading early, you may need to pay a duplicate fee.

📅 How to Make an Appointment to Get a STAR ID

To avoid long waits, schedule an appointment with ALEA online:

Go to: https://www.alea.gov
Click on “Driver License”
Choose “Schedule an Appointment”
Select the service “Apply for a STAR ID”

Bring all required documents with you to your appointment.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The REAL ID deadline is closer than you think. Many people mistakenly believe it only affects international travel, but the truth is — it will impact anyone boarding a domestic flight or needing access to certain federal buildings. If you’re in Alabama, take a moment to check your license today. If you don’t see the gold star, plan your visit to an ALEA Driver License Office soon.

By taking action now, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure you have the proper identification when the REAL ID enforcement kicks in.