Latest news with #StarCard
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. (Courtesy of Getty Images) Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams. Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release. 'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.' Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like: Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards. Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest. And suspicious web links that might look official. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards. 'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.' Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Didn't get a Real ID/Idaho Star Card? Enforcement begins today. Here's what to know.
Star Card for Idaho The only visual difference between the current Idaho driver's license and ID card design and the Star Card is the Star in the upper right hand side of the card. Both allow you to legally drive and prove your identity for tasks like buying alcohol, obtaining social services, or registering to vote, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. (Courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department) Starting today, Transportation Security Administration officials will not accept state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Under the new REAL ID enforcement rules, all airline passengers 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted ID at airport security checkpoints. The requirement applies to all passengers 18 and over for all flights, including short domestic flights, transportation officials said. In Idaho, the Idaho Star Card meets the REAL ID enhanced security requirements, Idaho Transportation Department officials said. Standard Idaho driver's licenses that are not an Idaho Star Card do not meet the TSA REAL ID requirements, although those are still valid for driving purposes. What other forms of ID are federally recognized to get on flights? It is not mandatory for Idahoans to obtain a STAR Card, but Idahoans will need a STAR Card or some other federally accepted form of identification at airport security checkpoints starting today. If Idaho air travelers did not obtain an Idaho Star Card yet, they can present another federally-accepted form of identification, including a U.S. passport, military ID or an photo ID issued by a federally recognized Native American Tribe, said Britt Rosenthal, a public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department. 'Some people are upset because they think it's a mandate (to obtain a REAL ID), but it's not a mandate,' Rosenthal said in a phone interview Thursday. 'There are lots of ways to meet the federal ID requirement, including a U.S. passport.' According to the Idaho Transportation Department, other acceptable forms of ID include: U.S. passport U.S. passport card Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Native American Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or First Nation and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) What's the worst case scenario for air travelers who don't have a Star Card or other federally accepted form of ID? Transportation officials say travelers could miss their flight or be subjected to a lengthy enhanced screening and identification process. An American Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport on Oct. 1, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. () What is a REAL ID and why would travelers get one? In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID act in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 9/11 Commission report. The REAL ID Act requires certain enhanced security features for drivers licenses to be accepted at airport security checkpoints and certain federal buildings. 'The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,' said Adam Stahl, a TSA senior official, in a written statement issued April 11. 'TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.' Idaho Star Cards feature enhanced security features, including holograms and ghost images that are difficult to forge. 'Really what it's about is enhanced security, and there are some really cool security features baked straight into the card,' Rosenthal said. 'It's not about policing people or making things harder for people.' To obtain an Idaho Star Card, Idahoans need to provide multiple documents to prove their identity, their Social Security number and their Idaho residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of Idaho residency, such as a mortgage statement or lease agreement and a utility bill. Requirements to obtain an Idaho Star Card are very specific, and the Idaho Transportation Department has posted a list online and offers a free online 'Add the Star tool' that walks Idahoans through a checklist of documents they need to get a Star Card. Rosenthal said Idahoans who are obtaining a Star Card can save themselves time and avoid disappointment by reviewing the Star Card required documents before their appointment at the Division of Motor Vehicles. 'We acknowledge that getting a Star Card is a more in-depth process than getting a passport and that it is more difficult for women,' Rosenthal said. 'To mitigate that stress we have added tools like the Add the Star tool interactive checklist that shows what documents are needed in or to give as much information to the public and make it as accessible as possible.' REAL ID Enforcement begins today, but Idaho STAR Cards will remain available Although TSA officials begin enforcing REAL ID requirements today, there is no deadline to obtain a STAR Card. Idaho Transportation Department officials will continue to offer new Star Cards even after enforcement begins. 'It's not a deadline, it's an enforcement date,' Rosenthal said. 'Anyone can get a Star Card at any time. So if you are not planning to travel any time soon, you don't have to sweat it – you can take your time.' Many Idaho Division of Motor Vehicle county offices are available by appointment only, and appointments may not be available for a couple of weeks due to a surge in demand associated with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement date, Rosenthal said. To help meet demand, the Idaho Transportation Department began offering a temporary, walk-up Star Card station on April 24 at its campus located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, in Garden City. Appointments are not required and service is available from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the temporary Star Card station, officials will only accept new Star Card applications and only accept credit and debit card payments – no cash or checks. No other DMV services are available at the temporary Star Card station. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
TSA to enforce REAL ID/Idaho Star Card requirement starting May 7
Starting May 7, Transportation Security Administration officers will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant. (Courtesy of Idaho Transportation Department.) Idaho Transportation Department officials are urging Idahoans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Idaho Star Card before enforcement begins at airport security checkpoints May 7. Starting May 7, Transportation Security Administration officers will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant, Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles offers the Idaho Star Card, which is compliant with the new REAL ID regulations, transportation officials said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If passengers don't have a Idaho Star Card, they can use another form of federally-accepted identification at airport security checkpoints, including a U.S. passport, Global Entry card, U.S. Department of Defense ID, military ID or an acceptable photo identification card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe. 'If you arrive at an airport without a Star Card or another acceptable document, you may be delayed and undergo additional examination,' Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release. 'This can cause passengers to miss flights.' To obtain the Idaho Star Card, Idahoans need to provide their Social Security card and two documents proving Idaho residency, such as current utility bills or a mortgage statement. (A list of the documents required to obtain an Idaho Star Card is available online.) CONTACT US Even though the Real ID/Idaho Star Card enforcement begins May 7, time is already tight. Idahoans who need a Star Card are required to visit an Idaho driver's license office in person and present a series of documents to obtain the Idaho Star Card. Many Idaho driver's license offices operate by appointment only, and availability may be several weeks out. Additionally, it may take up to two weeks for the physical Star Card to be mailed to Idahoans. Due to the tight timeline, state transportation officials are offering a couple of tips. First, they said Idahoans can visit any county driver's license office in the state to obtain an Idaho Star Card. If the local office in their county is not accepting appointments in time, transportation officials encourage Idahoans to check with another county driver's license office for faster service. Second, Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles officials are encouraging other Idahoans who don't need an Idaho Star Card or who already have an Idaho Star Card to free up space at physical county driver's license offices by using online Idaho DMV services. Idahoans can free up space at county DMV offices by going online to handle other tasks, like renewing their vehicle registration, changing their address or renewing an existing driver's license. 'Online renewals help reduce in-office wait times at locations that allow walk-ins, making it easier and more efficient for those who need a REAL ID (Star Card) to complete their transactions,' Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release issued Tuesday. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Source: Idaho Transportation Department SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
