Is Alabama Ready for Real ID (STAR ID)?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the deadline for the REAL ID (called STAR ID in Alabama) to May 3, 2023, in response to COVID-19.

won't happenn till late 2021---

delayed AGAIN

 a story from before the change:

Americans are nowhere near ready for full implementation of the Real ID Act, set to take effect at U.S. airports a year from now, according to a survey

Nearly 40 percent of Americans don’t have a Real ID or any of the other forms of identification that will be required at airport security checkpoints come fall 2020, according to the survey by the U.S. Travel Association.

Even more troubling, the survey found, a majority of Americans — 57 percent — are not aware that beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the only driver’s licenses that will be accepted for boarding commercial flights will be those that meet federal Real ID requirements.

“America is not Real ID ready, and that’s a big concern,” said Erik Hansen, vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association.

Although travelers will be able to use other credentials, such as a U.S. passport or a military ID, industry leaders and lawmakers say they fear millions who use state-issued identification to board domestic flights will be caught by surprise.