REAL ID ‘Crisis’: What You Need To Know In Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A trade group that represents the commercial airport industry has proclaimed a “crisis” on the REAL ID program and is calling on Congress to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for compliance.

The clock is ticking on the deadline for Alabama and other U.S. residents to get their REAL ID driver licenses — called the STAR ID in Alabama — and identification cards if they want to travel by air.

Related Story: The STAR ID In Alabama: What To Know

The Airports Council-North America, which represents commercial airports in the United States and Canada, has asked the federal government to extend the deadline amid concerns that two-thirds of driver’s licenses held by Americans aren’t REAL ID-compliant.

Here is what you need to get your STAR ID:

Date of Birth Verification

One of these:

Social Security Number Verification

One of these:

• Social Security card
• United States Military Form DD 214
• Medicare/Medicaid Identification Card (if Social Security Number is followed by the letter A)
• W-2 Tax Form

Address Verification
Two of these:

• Voter Registration Card
• Residential mortgage control
• Current lease or rental agreement for housing
• Proof of payment of residential property tax (homestead)
• Previous year tax returns bearing applicants address
• Vehicle registration bearing applicants name and address
• Utility bill (water, gas or electric) less than 90 days old
• Any state or federal court documents indicating residence address
• School enrollment documentation
• Defense Department Form 214 (Report of Separation)
• Sex offender registration documents
• Current homeowners insurance policy with name and address
• Social Security benefits statements/summary mailed to physical address
• U.S. or state government check or other document mailed to applicants physical address
• Military orders documenting duty station and place of residence.

Kevin M. Burke, the president and CEO of the airport industry trade group, warned of travel disruptions if the REAL ID deadline isn’t extended.

“If the government doesn’t make a definitive statement now that they’re going to extend this, then we’re going to have a real crisis on our hands come Oct. 1,” Burke told NBC News.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows states have issued more than 95 million REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.

If travelers haven’t obtained them by Oct. 1, they won’t be able to board flights, and that could disrupt their lives and airline operations, as well, Burke said.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a REAL ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

As the deadline looms, motor vehicle offices are scrambling to keep up with the number of people requesting the REAL IDs, the NBC News report said.