MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama residents will soon be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license – or another form of federally accepted identification – when flying within the United States.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will only accept REAL ID or equivalent documentation at airport security checkpoints.
REAL ID-compliant licenses issued by the state of Alabama can be identified by a small gold star in the upper left corner of the card. Without this star, travelers must present another accepted form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board a flight.
The change is part of a federal mandate to strengthen identification requirements at airports and improve national security. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency encourages residents to check their driver’s license now and, if needed, make an appointment to upgrade to a REAL ID.
“If you don’t have that star, you may not be allowed through TSA screening,” officials warned.
With the deadline quickly approaching, travelers planning to fly should act promptly to avoid disruptions at the airport.
