Star Cards now available in Idaho

New options for a driver’s license has come to Idaho. You can now get a “Star Card,” which is Idaho’s version of a federal “Real ID”

“Put’s Idaho in compliance with the “Real ID act”,” Sergeant Bryan Lovell, of Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, said. “That was passed in congress back in about 2005 or so.”

The act requires uniform standards for credentials like driver’s licenses and ID card’s. It focuses more on the proof of identity and documents to prove that you are who you say you are.

“A lot of fake ID’s, a lot of information out there portraying themselves as other people, Lovell, said. “It’s tied to terrorism and criminal activity and things like that.

As of today, you are not required to get a “Star Card,” but beginning October 1, 2020, you will need one to fly commercially or get access into a federal facility- like a courthouse or national laboratory

To get a card you can go to any DMV office.

“You go to the same place at every county that you go,” Lovell said. “Get your drivers license and you should have no problem doing that.”

Be sure to bring any documents that verify your identity, social security number, and Idaho residency. The cost of the card would also be the same as getting a license or ID.

If you still have some reservations about getting the card, you can still use a passport or other approved documents. Without the “Star Card,” you are still able to drive legally, buy alcohol or tobacco products, and register to vote.

The DMV recommends that if your license was to expire between now and October 1, 2020 — just apply for a “Star Card.”