If you live in Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department wants you to know that May 7, 2025, is the deadline to get an Idaho "Star Card." This is the REAL ID driver's license version that Idaho has that meets the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Without it, you won't be able to board planes starting then, without either carrying a valid U.S. passport or a military ID. It also applies to entering secure Federal buildings, including nuclear and military facilities.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 set minimum standards of ID among states for the issuance of driver's licenses, based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
However, according to the Idaho Dept. of Transportation, only 46% of Idaho residents have signed up for a REAL ID driver's license, which is known as a Star Card in Idaho.
Here is what a sample Idaho driver's license looks like:
It shows that there is a gold star - actually a gold circle with a white star in the middle of it - in the upper right-hand corner.
That signifies that the license holder has passed the requirements to get a REAL ID license.
How To Get an Idaho REAL ID (Star Card)
The "Add the Star" website from the Idaho Dept. of Transportation shows what types of documents you may need to provide.
For example, they say that Step 1 is proving your identity. You need to provide a valid original and certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport or passport card. There is also a list of other documents that might, in your particular circumstance, meet the Identity document requirement.
The second set of documents to check is whether you have changed your name. You need to bring all the legal documents that show how your name was changed.
The third document is your Social Security card. Short of that you can bring a pay stub with your SSN on it.
Lastly, you need to bring 2 proofs of residency in Idaho. This can include an existing and valid unexpired driver's license, a utility bill, and/or a leasing document or a financial statement.
The bottom line is that anyone who lives in Idaho should consider getting an upgraded Star Card license.
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Mark R. Hake, CFA, writes articles on national and local news, stocks, and market events at Kiplinger.com, Barchart.com, Medium.com, and Newsbreak.com as well as TalkMarkets.
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