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Idaho Star Card makes a successful launch

The Star Card – Idaho's REAL ID – was successfully launched Jan. 2 on schedule.

The Star Card is an Idaho driver's license or ID that adds a Star to verify compliance with REAL ID security standards. Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act requires uniform standards for credentials, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Idahoans will need a license or Identification card with the Star or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to fly commercially within the United States or access a federal facility, national laboratory or military base. A U.S. passport will still be required to fly internationally.

"More than 520 Star Cards were successfully issued across the state this week," DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said. Gonzalez emphasized the goal was to try to ease the burden on the counties by metering out the volume of cards over time.

"We made a commitment to the state's leadership, transportation board and public to launch the program on January 2 and kept it. We told our customers – the public – what to expect and when to expect it. I am proud of the effort and cooperation of the DMV, ETS, the Office of Communication, and the driver's license vendor Gemalto."

DMV Business Analyst Natasha Arnesen and Driver Licensing Unit Supervisor Sharon Griffin received the first Star Cards issued. Both were lead workers on the project.