MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Next May, if you haven't updated your license, you may not be able to fly anywhere in the U.S.
The REAL ID or STAR ID became a requirement after 9/11 to ensure the safety of US citizens and fight terrorism. The deadline to get your STAR ID is May 7, but one probate judge said you shouldn't wait until the last minute to get it.
"I don't know what'd happen if I didn't have it," said Harold M. Stoutermire. "I try to keep everything up to date."
Stoutermire has had his STAR ID for three years now. He has one word of advice for anyone who doesn't have that gold star on their driver's license. "Go and get it. I'd rather be an hour early than to be a minute late. That's my military background," he said.
Montgomery County Probate Judge J.C. Love III said you shouldn't wait either. He explained everyone must have a STAR ID or passport to fly domestically after May 7th. "You won't able to fly to New York, Miami, or to Orlando to go to Disney World, without having the STAR ID," said Judge Love. "And you may be limited getting in the federal courthouse, federal military bases, by not having a STAR ID."
Judge Love said you'll need your birth certificate, social security number, and two pieces of mail proving your residence to apply for a STAR ID. "And also, it may be advisable for women who are married and names are different now than they were on their birth certificate, to also bring a copy of their marriage license," Judge Love explained. "To show why their name is different."
Brenda Robbins, tag and license supervisor with the probate office in downtown Montgomery, said you can only get the STAR ID at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency driver's license exam offices. "Each county has their own examiner's offices," she said. "So, just check with your local probate to see where the examiner's office will be."
Judge Love said you can also schedule an appointment online or walk in at any of these locations. "You're not limited to going to the ALEA office in your particular county. So you can walk in any county throughout the state in the same way" he said. "If you see that your county doesn't have any appointments, then you can go and schedule an appointment in another county."
The STAR ID costs $36.25, which is the same to renew your license.
As Judge Love explained, you can find your local ALEA driver's license office and schedule an appointment here.