BOISE — The Idaho Transportation Department is increasing awareness about Idaho's Real I.D., the identification you will soon need in order to be able to board a plane.
The Star Card in Idaho is not required, however, if you don't want to constantly carry a passport or military I.D. in order to board a domestic flight or access a federal building, you will need to update your driver's license.
"On October 1, 2020 Americans will be required to have a Real ID, so if you're flying from Boise to Salt Lake City you will be required to either have a Real ID, the Idaho Star Card or a passport or a military ID," said Alberto Gonzalez, DMV Administrator for the Idaho Transportation Department.
It’s all part of the Real I.D. Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacting the 9-11 commissions recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of identification sources; establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses.
"To have a real ID or a star card it continues to be a choice and many of Idahoans have elected not to get a star card, but what we want to make sure that they understand the consequence of not having a star card," said Gonzalez.
The only visual difference between Idaho's current driver's license and the Star Card, is the star on the right hand side. Its capabilities, however, are not the same.
After one year of issuance and only 70,000 Idahoans obtaining the Star Card, the Idaho Transportation Department worries too many residents are waiting until the last minute, which could create more long lines at the drivers license division.
"That number is a little lower than we would have expected by now, given there's 1.25-million drivers in Idaho that have the option to obtain a Real ID," said Gonzalez.
But it takes a bit more documentation than just going to the driver's license division for your average renewal. Getting a Star Card requires a birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of Idaho residency, such as a mortgage statement or current utility bill.
"You can renew 25-months before your license expires and you can do that without losing the duration of your license that you have left, that you've already paid for," said Gonzalez.
For more information on what you need in order to obtain your Star Card, click here.
