BOISE, Idaho - One year ahead of the federally-mandated deadline of October 1, 2020, officials with the state of Idaho and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminded Idahoans to obtain a Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID-compliant driver license. If state residents want to use their driver license as photo identification at the TSA security checkpoint starting October 1, 2020, they will need to have the Star Card.
“I strongly encourage everyone to get their Star Card with plenty of time ahead of the deadline,” Governor Brad Little said. “The last thing we want is for someone to miss an important trip because they don’t have the necessary identification to board their flight.”
Over the past year, the DMV has highlighted this important deadline as part of its multi-faceted campaign consisting of videos, presentations, advertising and social media. Campaign messages focus on the Star Card being your “license to fly” and getting it now so “you don’t get left behind.”
A new campaign kicks off this fall and is a partnership with Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. It features mascots of all three schools at airport security with a Star Card in hand ahead of the deadline - and encourages Idahoans to plan ahead.
In addition, a two-week media tour kicked off October 1, with DMV representatives traveling to offices statewide and promoting the Star Card through media appearances and informal press events.
The goal remains the same: ensuring all Idahoans are aware that while getting a Star Card isn’t mandatory, without it, you’ll have to provide a passport or other form of REAL ID-compliant identification to travel on a commercial aircraft.
“We are pleased more Idahoans are getting the Star Card, and the DMV wants to keep building on that momentum,” said DMV Division Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “October 1, 2020 will be here before you know it, so planning ahead is crucial.”
Currently, 185,000 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card.
For more information about the required documents to obtain a Star Card at county DMV offices, please visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard and click on the “Add the Star” tool.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005. It enacted a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
Starting October 1, 2020, travelers can show any REAL ID-compliant identification at the TSA security checkpoint. There are a variety of identity documents that can be used to board an airplane or enter secure federal facilities, including:
- U.S. or foreign passport
- U.S. passport card
- Military ID
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Enhanced driver license
- Tribal ID
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
TSA maintains a full list of acceptable forms of identification on its website.