Do You Have the Idaho Star Card?

It sounds like a grocery store discount card, but the Idaho Star Card is our state’s version of the Real ID, the Federally required National identification card.  If your driver’s license has a gold star in the corner, you’re good, but if you don’t, you’ll be required to upgrade your license before October of 2020.  If you don’t, you won’t be allowed to travel on an airplane or enter a federal facility.  Last month the Transportation Department reported that of the 1.25 million drivers, only 185,000 have made the switch.  In order to upgrade your license to the Real ID or Star Card, you’ll need to bring the following to the DMV: 

• Proof of Social Security Number 
• Two forms of residency 
• Birth Certificate 
• If your name is different than your birth certificate, proof of your name change 

If your driver's license hasn’t expired, there is no cost to upgrade to the Star Card.  If you wait, not only will there be a cost, but also the cost of time.  Expect long lines the closer we get to the October deadline.   

The Real ID act was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terror attacks.  It has taken 12 years to enforce it.  For those who are moving to the Treasure Valley from other states, and if you already have a Real ID with a star in the corner of your former state’s driver's license, there should be no issue getting your new Idaho Star Card.