How to Schedule Your STAR ID Appointment in Alabama

Book your STAR ID appointment through the Alabama DMV website or by phone

The STAR ID (Secure and Trusted Arrival Real ID) is Alabama's compliant driver's license or ID card that meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You cannot walk in without an appointment — the DMV requires you to book a time slot before you arrive at any Driver License Examiner office.

You have two ways to schedule: online through the Alabama DMV website or by calling the DMV appointment line. The online system is faster and shows you available times immediately. The phone line works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.

Your appointment will be at a Driver License Examiner office, not at a tag office. These are separate locations, and only the Examiner offices issue STAR IDs. The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

• Book your STAR ID appointment online at alabamadmv.gov or by calling 1-844-MyALDMV (1-844-692-5368) — walk-ins are not accepted.
• You must visit a Driver License Examiner office, not a tag office, and you need an appointment for that specific location.
• Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of Alabama residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
• The STAR ID costs the same as a regular driver's license renewal and is valid for eight years for adults under 65.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The DMV has a specific list of documents you must bring, and missing even one can mean rescheduling. Bring your current Alabama driver's license or ID card — this is your primary document. If you do not have one, bring a passport or passport card instead.

You also need proof of Alabama residency. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your current address.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Finally, bring proof of citizenship or legal presence. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization all work. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your unexpired visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Bring originals, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of citizenship documents.

How to book online at alabamadmv.gov

Go to alabamadmv.gov and look for the appointment scheduling link on the homepage. Click it and you will be taken to the scheduling system. You do not need to create an account — the system is anonymous.

Select "Driver License Examiner" as your office type, then choose the county and specific office location where you want to go. The system will show you available dates and times for that location. Pick the date and time that works for you. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. That number is your proof of appointment.

The system will also ask for your name and phone number so the office can contact you if there is a problem. You do not receive a confirmation email, so keep that confirmation number. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents.

How to book by phone

Call 1-844-MyALDMV (1-844-692-5368) during business hours. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times vary, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Tell the representative you want to schedule a STAR ID appointment. They will ask which county and office location you prefer, then show you available times. Once you pick a slot, they will give you a confirmation number. Write it down immediately — this is your proof of appointment.

If you call and the office you want is fully booked, ask about nearby locations or ask to be placed on a cancellation list. Some offices have more availability than others, and it may be worth traveling to a less busy location to get an earlier time.

What to expect on appointment day

Arrive at your Driver License Examiner office 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together. The office will check you in, verify your documents, and take a new photo for your STAR ID.

The photo will be taken against a plain background, similar to a passport photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them in the photo, but not sunglasses.

After your photo is taken, you will answer questions about your address, driving history, and any medical conditions that affect your driving. The examiner will review your documents one more time, then you will pay the fee and sign the back of your new card. Your STAR ID will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it as soon as you know. Go back to alabamadmv.gov and look for the cancellation option, or call 1-844-MyALDMV and tell the representative your confirmation number. Canceling frees up the slot for someone else and prevents a no-show on your record.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will have to book a new one. Some offices may flag repeated no-shows, so it is worth the few minutes to cancel if your plans change.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment first, then book a new one using the same method you used originally.

STAR ID cost and how long it lasts

The STAR ID costs the same as a standard driver's license renewal in Alabama. As of now, that is $28.50 for an eight-year license if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, the license is free and valid for eight years. These fees can change, so confirm the current cost when you book your appointment or call the DMV.

Your STAR ID is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You do not need to renew it sooner unless you change your address, name, or the information on your card. When it expires, you will need to schedule a new appointment to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a STAR ID if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. Bring your out-of-state license as your primary document, along with proof of Alabama residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The process is the same as renewing an Alabama license.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, or visa instead. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your I-94 or Employment Authorization Document. You must bring one of these documents to prove citizenship or legal presence.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my STAR ID?

Yes. All STAR ID transactions, including renewals, require an appointment. You cannot walk in, even if you have held a STAR ID before. Book your appointment the same way you would for a new ID.

How long does it take to get my STAR ID after my appointment?

Your card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive it in person at the office. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DMV to check the status.

What if I move before my STAR ID arrives?

Contact the DMV immediately with your new address. You can call 1-844-MyALDMV or go to alabamadmv.gov to update your address. The DMV will mail your card to your new address if you update it before the card ships.