More Idahoans getting Star Card as Department of Transportation makes a push

Right now, Idahoans can board a domestic flight and walk into nearly any federal building with their normal state-issued ID, but that won’t be the case for long.

Starting in October 2020, you’ll need the Star Card, Idaho’s version of the real ID.

While the card isn’t mandatory, it will be one of only two acceptable forms of ID, the other being a passport, that will grant you entrance to these facilities.

According to Bannock County Drivers License supervisor Trena Hall, the star can be added to any type of state-issued ID, but you can only have one Star Card.

They even do Star Cards for kids.

“They aren’t required to have it until they’re over 12,” Hall said. But, “if they’re flying alone they have to have the star on their document.”

With the recent push from the state, more and more people are going in to make the switch.

“This last week, probably 80 percent of the licenses that we’ve done have been Star Cards. So there’s been a really big hike in it,” Hall explained.

There is no additional cost to get a Star Card if you are renewing your license, but adding the star without renewal will cost you $15.