Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID deadline approaching

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID

Originally published 3/2/2021

Seven months ahead of the federally mandated deadline, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles continues to raise awareness of the importance of obtaining a Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID. Beginning October 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility.

Currently 465,563 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card. Two years ago in February 2019, just 70,000 Idahoans had obtained their Star Card.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of planning ahead and updating your driver’s license to a Star Card today,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “We are pleased to see the number of people getting the Star Card increasing, but now is not the time to slow down. Our goal is 100% awareness, so no one is unexpectedly forced to miss a vacation or unplanned, last minute trip this fall.”

Last spring, the original October 2020 federal deadline was extended one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal remains the same—ensuring all Idahoans are aware that while getting a Star Card is not mandatory, without it, you will have to provide a passport or other form of REAL ID to fly in the United States.

“Our TSA officers are reminding people of the new requirements as they are traveling,” said TSA Idaho Federal Security Director Andy Coose. “Signs are up at airport security warning of the October deadline, and when a TSA officer meets a traveler without a star on their ID, they make sure to tell the passenger to get a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other identification so they don’t have trouble getting onto a plane after October 1.”

The Star Card has been available in Idaho since 2018. During this time, the Idaho DMV has informed Idahoans of the upcoming federal REAL ID requirement through courtesy renewal notice reminders, various advertising campaigns, sports partnerships, and a public service announcement featuring Governor Brad Little, among other educational videos and presentations.

The transaction requires an in-person visit to a county driver’s license office and additional documents. The Idaho DMV strongly encourages Idahoans use the “Add the Star” tool at itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what specific documents are needed, as they can vary depending on each person’s situation. More information, frequently asked questions, and driver’s license office locations can also be found online.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, for official purposes.

Multiple overnight detours in place this week for Salt Lake Interchange project

Drivers traveling through the Interstate 84/86 interchange this week should plan extra time for several different detours. Detours will be in place between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and will vary depending on what work is being done.

Both eastbound and westbound traffic will be affected, with all of these detours routing motorists off the interstate.

“It’s necessary for us to detour traffic in order to complete installation of overhead signs at the newly constructed interchange,” ITD Project Manager Travis Hitchcock said. “The direction motorists are traveling through the interchange will determine which detour they will be directed to take.”

Motorists traveling east on Interstate 84/86 from Burley will be routed to Idaho Highway 77 and Idaho Highway 81. Motorists traveling west from Pocatello will take Exit 15 for Raft River and travel on North Yale Road until they reach the I-84/Yale Road Interchange. Motorists traveling north from Utah will be directed to exit at the I-84/Yale Road Interchange and then travel either east toward Pocatello or west toward Burley.

“These detours will not all be in place at the same time,” Hitchcock said. “We will only be detouring traffic that would otherwise be passing underneath the area where the signs are being installed at the time. This will help ensure the safety of both site workers and the traveling public while work is underway.”

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to signage and message boards that will be in place to direct them through the area.

Wadsworth Brothers Construction, of Draper, Utah, is the primary contractor on this project.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Winter weather conditions in East Idaho closes numerous roadways temporarily

Various locations in Eastern Idaho are experiencing high-speed winds that are creating blowing and drifting snow and low visibility on the roadways. The Idaho Transportation Department has temporarily closed numerous roads because of the snowy and icy conditions.

Due to current weather conditions in Eastern Idaho the following roadways are closed:

ID-26 from Ririe to ID-31 in Swan Valley
ID-32 from Ashton to Tetonia
ID-33 from Newdale to ID-32 Tetonia

ITD will be monitoring roadways around the clock and plowing as able until the highways are clear and safe to open. Weather permitting roadways may reopen as soon as tomorrow (Feb. 27).

The Idaho State Police and ITD are encouraging motorists to use caution and choose alternate routes if they must travel. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance.

Drivers are advised to drive at a safe distance, slow down and prepare travel plans ahead of time by checking 511.idaho.gov for current road conditions.

Additional information on winter safety can be found at: itd.idaho.gov/road-mtce

Construction on I-84 in Jerome County to resume next month

Image of I-84 eastbound lanes in Jerome County

Work is expected to resume next month (March 8) on Interstate 84 between Jerome and Twin Falls (milepost 166 to 173). This is part of a larger construction project that began last year to provide a safer and smoother roadway.

“In 2020 we completed the westbound lanes,” ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé said. “In addition to rehabilitating seven miles, we also increased the length of ramps at interchanges, improved lighting and upgraded stormwater drainage. This year, we will complete work on the eastbound lanes of the highway.”

While construction is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction.

“Drivers will utilize the same crossovers and temporary ramps we constructed last year to keep traffic moving during construction,” Dillé said. “Various activities may require changes in traffic patterns so it’s important that motorists pay attention to signs and not follow GPS while traveling through the work zone.”

Motorists should anticipate reduced speeds and watch for workers and heavy equipment. Electronic message boards and signage will be in place to direct drivers through the area.

Western Construction of Boise is the general contractor for this $15 million project that is expected to be complete midsummer.

US-12 east of Kooskia anticipated to reopen tomorrow afternoon under reduced avalanche risk

A sign along US-12 warns drivers of avalanche danger

Based on monitoring by avalanche specialists and a forecast of colder temperatures, US-12 is anticipated to reopen tomorrow afternoon between Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139). Although no avalanches occurred, considerable hazard prompted the closing of the highway Sunday afternoon for the safety of drivers and recreationists.

The highway could reopen as early as 12 p.m. PT, but drivers should check 511.idaho.gov for updated information before traveling as conditions could change.

Avalanche specialists rely on the forecast and data provided by weather stations—one at Bald Mountain and one at Powell—to determine the risk for drivers. The station at Powell was installed last fall, and another station will be placed at Castle Butte later this year to better forecast avalanche hazard along US-12.

The last avalanche to reach US-12 was in 2008.

Section of US-12 east of Kooskia to close at 4 p.m. PT today due to avalanche hazard

Screenshot of the 511 camera at Pete King on US-12

Several miles of US-12 east of Kooskia will close today at 4 p.m. PT due to considerable avalanche hazard. Given that the forecast calls for heavy precipitation—including a mix of snow and rain—the closure is anticipated to last for an extended time.

The gates at Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) will close, and ITD crews are working with the U.S. Forest Service to notify any recreationists or drivers within the corridor of the impending closure.

Avalanche specialists with ITD will be on site to help local maintenance crews reassess conditions and reopen the highway. Another release will be sent once a determination to open the road is made.

Drivers should use 511.idaho.gov to stay updated on road conditions.

ITD’s Annual Report Video shows commitment to serving Idaho

Every year, ITD publishes an annual report that communicates the department’s efforts to improve the safety, mobility, and economic opportunity of Idaho’s citizens. This year, we took those efforts even further by transformed the report into something that could be easily accessed and consumed by the public — a video.

In a brief eight-minute video, the annual report showcases ITD’s numerous achievements in fiscal year 2020, as well as a high level look at the department’s customer-focused performance measures.

The report also shows how ITD navigated the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in 2020, by keeping Idaho’s ports of entry open and operating and continuing to provide needed services to Idaho’s citizens throughout the pandemic.

You can view the annual report video below. ITD also creates a hard copy version of their annual report every year.

ITD Annual Report for 2020 (Document)

Construction of innovative intersection redesign at Eagle Rd. and Idaho Highway 44 (ID-44) begins next week

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction of a half continuous flow intersection (CFI) at Eagle Road and ID-44 in Eagle on Monday, February 22 to improve mobility and safety at this busy intersection

Connecting two major highways in the Treasure Valley, more than 70,000 vehicles travel through this intersection every day. The half CFI design improves safety and reduces congestion all within relatively small footprint.

Across the nation, CFIs have a proven track record of increased efficiency and safety. This will be the first CFI constructed in Idaho. ITD encourages the public to learn how to navigate through the intersection by watching and sharing an explainer video below.

“The new design does require drivers to pay attention and think ahead, especially on Idaho Highway 44,” said Tyler Coy, ITD Project Manager. “I encourage everyone to learn more about how it works by watching the video during and after construction. When we’re done, there will be overhead signs guiding traffic to the right place. It’s really important people drive attentively.”

Due to traffic volume during the day, most construction will occur overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Some work is scheduled during daytime hours but will mostly occur in the roadway shoulders. Nearby businesses and residents may experience loud noise from construction equipment, vibration, and bright light from the work zone.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down and pay attention when traveling in the work zone.

Construction is expected to be complete in early fall 2021.

The total project budget is $8.9M. Knife River is the contractor for construction.

To sign up for construction updates, visit itdprojects.org/Eagle44CFI. To reach the project team, please email Eagle44CFI@itd.idaho.gov.

ITD’s Public Transportation Office seeks District 1 & District 4 representatives to help shape transit’s future

This is a pivotal and challenging time in the world of public transportation in Idaho. Citizens have the opportunity to help shape what Idaho’s transit future will look like!

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking representatives for District 1 and District 4 to serve on the Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC).

The individual selected for District 1 will represent Bonner, Boundary, Shoshone, Kootenai, and Benewah counties. The individual selected for District 4 will represent Blaine, Camas, Lincoln, Twin Falls, Jerome, Gooding, Cassia, and Minidoka counties.

The PTAC was created to advise the ITD Board on issues related to public transportation in Idaho. It is composed of six members, one representing each of ITD’s administrative districts.

Those interested in applying can find the application form at itd.idaho.gov/pt under the “Advisory” tab. Then, click on either the “District 1 PTAC Application” or the “District 4 PTAC Application” link. Applications will be accepted through April 4. A 30-day public comment period on the candidates will occur starting shortly thereafter.

For more information about PTAC or the application, contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at (208) 334-8533, or email Shauna.Miller@itd.idaho.gov

Public Transportation Advisory Council to meet February 9

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) will have its first meeting of 2021 on Tuesday, February 9. The meeting will be held online via Webex from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Subsequent PTAC meetings are scheduled for June 10 and September 23.

The council is made up of six members representing each of the ITD districts. They work together to identify public transportation needs, plan activities, and promote coordinated transportation systems throughout Idaho. The PTAC also discusses funding programs available to transit providers, and advises the ITD Board with public transportation related recommendations.

Meeting agendas and minutes are located on the ITD Public Transportation website, itd.idaho.gov/pt, under the “Advisory” tab.

Those interested in attending the February meeting may call in using the details below.

For more information, contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at (208) 334-8533.

Join from the meeting link
https://itdgov.webex.com/itdgov/j.php?MTID=m7e59b4e4a30806082967c01250b7b327

Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 133 108 6189
Meeting password: j5hAbKVm5k8

Join by phone
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
1-844-740-1264 USA Toll Free