What ALEA Star ID appointments are and how to book one

An ALEA Star ID appointment is a scheduled visit at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office where you get your photo taken and submit documents for a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. You cannot walk in without an appointment — ALEA requires you to book a time slot in advance through their online system or by phone.

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, verify your documents, and pay the renewal or replacement fee. ALEA then processes your card and mails it to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your ID for travel or federal building access, the Real ID compliance matters; a standard Alabama license without Real ID designation will not work for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • ALEA Star ID appointments must be booked online through the ALEA website or by calling 334-242-4437; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You need a valid Social Security number, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) before your appointment.
  • Appointment availability varies by location and time of year, so book as far ahead as your schedule allows rather than waiting until the last minute.
  • If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance to free up the slot for someone else.

How to book your appointment online

Visit the ALEA website at alea.gov and look for the "Driver License" or "Real ID" section. You will see a link to the appointment scheduling system. Click it and enter your driver's license number or Social Security number to search for available times. The system shows you which ALEA offices near you have open slots and what dates and times are available.

Select the date and time that works for you, then confirm your choice. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number, location, and the time you need to arrive. Save this email or write down your appointment number — you'll need it when you check in at the office.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, call ALEA at 334-242-4437 during business hours. A staff member can check availability and book your appointment for you over the phone. They will give you an appointment number and tell you which office to go to and when.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number.

Bring one document that proves you live in Alabama. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. The document must show your name and current address.

Bring one document that proves your identity. A valid passport, birth certificate, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you are renewing and your current Alabama license is still valid, you may not need a separate identity document — ask ALEA when you book whether your current license is enough.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give your appointment number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. They will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information, and take your photo. The photo is taken against a plain background and follows federal Real ID standards.

You will pay the fee for your license or ID card. The cost varies depending on whether you are renewing, replacing a lost card, or upgrading to Real ID. Ask ALEA what the fee is when you book your appointment so you know what to bring.

After your appointment, ALEA mails your new card to the address on file. Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your ID sooner, ask at your appointment whether expedited mail is available and what it costs.

If you need to cancel or reschedule

Cancel your appointment online through the same scheduling system where you booked it, or call 334-242-4437. You must cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you may have to wait longer to get another appointment, depending on how busy the office is.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment and book a new one through the same system. You do not need to call ALEA to reschedule — the online system handles it.

ALEA office locations and hours

ALEA has driver license offices in most Alabama counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can book an appointment at any location that is convenient for you. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

When you search for appointments online, the system shows you all available locations and their hours. If the office closest to you has no open slots, try a nearby location — the appointment system shows availability across all offices so you can pick the one with the soonest opening.

Real ID requirements and important date

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Alabama license without the star will not work for those purposes after that date, even if it is not expired.

If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you can upgrade it at your appointment. Tell the ALEA staff member that you want to add Real ID compliance. You will need to bring the same documents — proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The fee may be slightly higher than a standard renewal, so ask when you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person who needs the ID must book their own appointment or have a parent or legal guardian book it for them if they are a minor. You cannot book an appointment for an adult family member — they must do it themselves or call ALEA to have staff book it over the phone.

What if I do not have all my documents ready?

Do not book an appointment until you have gathered all required documents. If you show up without proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, or proof of identity, ALEA will not issue your ID and you will lose your appointment slot. Gather everything first, then book.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

You can usually book up to 30 days in advance through the online system. If you need an appointment sooner, call ALEA at 334-242-4437 — they may have cancellations or walk-in slots available, though walk-ins are not may provide.

What if my appointment time does not work anymore?

Cancel your current appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled time and book a new one. The online system lets you cancel and rebook when ready. If you cancel with less notice, you may have to wait for the next available slot.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a card, W-2, 1099, or other document showing your number. If you have lost your card, bring a different document that shows the number instead.