The Department of Homeland Security, Tuesday, extended the deadline for obtaining the “Real ID.  The deadline had been set for October 1st of this year (2021), but it was becoming clear that many people wouldn’t make it  due in large part to the COVID-19 outbreak which has made it harder for states to issue new licenses.

That includes Alabama’s Star ID.

The new deadline is May 3rd of 2023.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards; that following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.  Those updated cards will be required for airport check-in, and to enter federal facilities.

People are receiving compliant IDs as they renew – but, it takes time, and the process has been slowed by the pandemic, as many state agencies operate at limited capacity.

The Department of Homeland Security says that only 43% of all driver’s licenses and ID cards are compliant.

Older IDs will still be suitable to allow people to drive, buy liquor OR any other age-regulated products, and gamble at casinos.  

Travelers also can use military IDs or passports to access flights and federal facilities

(AL.COM/www.al.com)