There’s still time to get your STAR ID

RUSSELVILLE — Franklin County residents who don’t have the STAR ID added to their driver’s license could experience delays in airline travel until they do so.

The REAL ID Act, passed in Congress in 2005, takes effect this week. It stipulates that those 18 years of age or older intending to fly within the United States, or enter certain federal facilities, will need a REAL ID (STAR ID) compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification like a U.S. passport.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver’s License Examiner Amita Patel said four different documents are required to get a STAR ID.

1.To verify identity and date of birth, one document, such as a certified birth certificate or valid, unexpired U.S. passport, must be provided.

2.To verify the Social Security number, a Social Security card must be provided.

3.To verify a primary address, two documents, like a valid driver’s license or identification card, a housing lease or a residential mortgage contract, must be provided.

4.A complete list of acceptable documents is available at www.alea.gov.

5.The Transportation Security Administration cautions on its website that those who do not have the REAL/STAR ID, or another acceptable form of identification, can expect “delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint” at airports or some federal facilities.

TSA PreCheck passengers are not excluded from the requirement.

Patel said it is important for those planning air travel who do not have STAR ID to call the airline before going to the airport.

“They need to confirm what they need to have to fly before their flight,” Patel said.

For those who do not plan to hop on a plane in the next month, Patel said there is some relief in sight.

The STAR ID can still be added to a driver’s license.

Patel said that those wanting to get a STAR ID should bring in the required documents to their Alabama Driver’s License field office as soon as possible. The field office for Franklin County is the courthouse located at 410 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville.

Loretta Sikes, clerk for the Franklin County Probate Judge’s Office, said a state official is present at the courthouse every Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the probate judge’s office, which is the only office that does driver’s license renewals.

Sikes said residents can also go to the State Trooper’s Office Monday through Friday, or to Room 5 in the courthouse basement.

Maria Camp contributed to this report.