Star Card FAQ

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Preventing terrorists from obtaining state-issued identification documents is critical to securing America against terrorism. As the 9/11 Commission noted, “For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver’s license today than before the passage of the Act. Secure driver’s licenses and identification documents are a vital component of a holistic national security strategy. Law enforcement must be able to rely on government-issued identification documents and know that the bearer of such a document is who he or she claims to be. REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

Read the REAL ID legislation.

The REAL ID Act will not invalidate Idaho issued driver’s license or ID cards, and does not affect using a driver’s license or ID card for usual purposes, such as driving, renting a vehicle, writing a check, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, or entering a casino. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need to have a license or ID with the Star – showing it is an Idaho REAL ID, or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to fly commercially or access a federal facility, national laboratory or military base.

• • The Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID is not mandatory and you can opt-in or not.
  • You can continue to get a driver’s license or ID card without the Star and use a passport or other documents to fly or enter a federal building, national laboratory, or military base.

Check for the other forms of identification that will be accepted in lieu of a license or ID with the Star on the TSA website.

The REAL ID Act promotes security in the issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards, and deters identity theft and fraud by requiring states to meet certain physical and procedural security standards for production and issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards, as well as certain documentation standards for applicants, including authentication and verification standards for proof of identity including your:

• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Idaho residency
• Lawful status or presence

There is no electronic chip or other electronic device in Idaho’s driver’s license or ID cards, whether it is a Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID or not.

Some U.S. border states offer an enhanced driver’s license that includes passive vicinity radio frequency identification embedded in the card that meets federal requirements and facilitates rapid identification checks at the border. However, that technology is not required by the REAL ID and is not used in cards issued by Idaho.

Idaho’s driver’s licenses and ID cards do have the required bar code printed on the back; that code requires manual scanning and only conveys the information appearing on the face of the driver’s license or ID card, without the photo.

The only difference is access. Both allow you to legally drive and prove your identity for tasks like buying alcohol, obtaining social services, banking services or registering to vote.

Starting May 7, 2025, a Star Card lets you fly commercially or enter a federal building, national laboratory, or military base. At that time, you will not be able to do either with an Idaho driver’s license or ID card without the Star.

Without the Star Card, you’ll need a passport or other acceptable documents instead. Check for the other forms of identification that will be accepted in lieu of a Star Card on the TSA website.

• Do you fly on commercial aircraft?
• Do you need to access a federal facility ( like a federal courthouse or military base)?

If the answer is yes, you should consider adding the Star. If you have another form of federal identification you can use for these purposes, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you may decide you don’t need a Star Card.

Currently, minor children (under the age of 18) who are flying with their parents do not need a Star Card to fly. Unaccompanied minors who wish to fly commercially will need a Star Card. Please verify by checking TSA’s current policies on minors on the TSA website.

Getting a Star Card is your choice. If you decide to add the Star you can go to any driver’s license issuance site. You will need documents such as a birth certificate, social security card, utility bills, or mortgage statement to verify:

• Your identity
• Your Social Security number
• Your Idaho residency

Use the Add the Star Tool to identify the exact documents you will need. This can be done when you renew your existing driver’s license or ID card; or you may surrender your current driver license or identification card and get a duplicate license or ID card that adds the Star. Duplicates cost $20.

All applicants must provide proof of identity; date of birth; Social Security number; Idaho residence; and lawful status or presence in the United States.

You can get a Star Card at the same DMV office where you get a driver’s license. Visit the DMV Locations Directory to find a driver’s license office near you.

The cost will be the same as getting an Idaho driver’s license or ID card without the Star.

Yes. Even after May 7, 2025, your driver’s license or ID card without the Star will still be valid for tasks such as driving, banking, obtaining social services, voting, and buying alcohol. It just cannot be used for flying commercially or entering a federal facility such as a military base.

You can use a passport or other approved documents to fly or enter a federal building or military base. Currently, other acceptable identification documents include:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

TSA provides an updated list of the identification that will be accepted in lieu of a license or ID with the Star.