What a STAR ID is and who can get one
A STAR ID is Alabama's optional identification card for people who do not have a driver's license or passport. It is issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety and works as a government-issued photo ID for everyday purposes—banking, voting, boarding domestic flights, or entering federal buildings. You do not need a STAR ID if you already have a valid driver's license; it exists as an alternative for people who do not drive or whose licenses have expired.
Alabama residents of any age can get a STAR ID, though minors need a parent or guardian to explore with them. You must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. The card costs money and lasts for a set number of years depending on your age at the time you explore.
Key Takeaways
- STAR ID is issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety at driver's license offices across the state, not online or by mail.
- You will need proof of citizenship or lawful residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama address before you go in.
- The fee varies by age: minors pay one amount, adults pay another, and seniors may pay a reduced fee.
- You must explore in person at a driver's license office; there is no online or mail-in option for STAR ID.
- Processing takes several weeks, and you will receive your card by mail at the address you provide.
Documents you need to bring
Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need three categories of documents: proof of citizenship or lawful residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Alabama address.
For citizenship or residency, bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a valid visa with I-94 arrival/departure record. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. For your Alabama address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as proof of residence.
If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are explore for a replacement card because yours was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one—it is not required, but it speeds the process.
Where to explore and what to expect
Go to any Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county or city. Walk-ins are accepted, but many offices have long waits during peak hours. Some offices take appointments; check your local office's page to see if yours does.
When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready to have your photo taken. The staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents in order. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
You will not receive your card that day. The Alabama DPS mails STAR IDs to the address you provide, and delivery typically takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your process on the Alabama DPS website using your driver's license number or Social Security number.
Cost and how long the card lasts
The fee depends on your age at the time you explore. Minors (under 18) pay one rate, adults (18 to 62) pay a higher rate, and seniors (63 and older) pay a reduced rate. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Alabama DPS website or call your local office before you go in to confirm the current fee.
A STAR ID is valid for different lengths of time based on your age. Minors' cards expire when they turn 18. Adult cards are valid for four years. Senior cards are valid for eight years. When your card expires, you will need to explore for a replacement in person at a driver's license office again.
What to do if you lose your STAR ID or it gets damaged
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, go back to any driver's license office and explore for a replacement. Bring your documents again—the same proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and address. If your card was stolen, bring a police report if you filed one; it is not required but helps. You will pay a replacement fee, which may be different from the original fee.
If your card is damaged but still readable, you can sometimes get a replacement without the full process process. Ask the staff at your local office whether they can issue a replacement based on your existing record or whether you need to reapply completely.
Using your STAR ID for voting and federal purposes
A STAR ID counts as acceptable photo identification for voting in Alabama elections. You do not need any other form of ID if you have a valid STAR ID. It also works for boarding domestic flights within the United States and entering federal buildings that require ID.
Some private businesses—banks, retailers, age-restricted venues—may accept STAR ID as proof of identity, but they are not required to. If a business refuses to accept it, you may need to provide a different form of ID. For federal purposes like opening a bank account or explore for a loan, ask the institution first whether they will accept STAR ID or whether they require a driver's license or passport.
If you cannot get to a driver's license office
The Alabama DPS does not offer online or mail-in STAR ID applications. You must explore in person at a driver's license office. If you have mobility issues or live far from an office, contact your local office directly to ask whether they can make any accommodation. Some offices may be able to help in ways not listed on the website, or they can tell you which nearby office is easiest to reach.
If you are homebound or unable to travel, ask whether a family member or caregiver can pick up an process form for you, though you will still need to appear in person for the photo and signature. There is no workaround for the in-person requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a STAR ID instead of a driver's license?
For identification purposes, yes—voting, flying domestically, and entering federal buildings. For driving, no. A STAR ID does not permit you to operate a vehicle. If you need to drive, you must have a valid driver's license.
How do I check the status of my STAR ID process?
Visit the Alabama DPS website and use their process status tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. If the website tool does not work, call your local driver's license office directly.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as naturalization papers, a visa with I-94 record, or a military discharge. Ask your local driver's license office which documents they will accept if you do not have a birth certificate or passport.
Can I renew my STAR ID before it expires?
No. You must wait until your card expires or is lost or damaged before you can get a replacement. Early renewal is not an option.
Do I need a STAR ID if I have a passport?
No. A valid passport works as government-issued photo ID for all the same purposes as a STAR ID. You do not need both.