Idaho Star Card: Avoid delays with this new Garden City service station
As the early May deadline approaches for Idahoans to become REAL ID-compliant and obtain their Star Card, a temporary service center will open on April 24. The Garden City Star Card service station will be located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., building 8, and will aim to reduce wait times for Ada County residents.
The temporary walk-in service center will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The service is only to assist with Star Cards, not new licenses or license renewals. Only debit or credit cards can be used at the service station, no checks or cash will be accepted.
The temporary Star Card location is the most recent effort to expand access to Ada County residents to become REAL ID-compliant. In March, Star Mayor Trevor A. Chadwick announced the city would turn empty offices in its city hall into a space for driver’s license services by appointment.
The services in Star may have eased wait times and increased appointment availability for some, but for Idahoans trying to get their Star Card quickly, the new temporary service station is a great option.
The federal deadline to get a Star Card (or REAL ID) is May 7, 2025. Without a Star Card, travelers who do not have a passport will be unable to board a commercial flight. As of April 1, approximately 55% of Idahoans with a driver’s license had their Star Card, according to the Idaho Transportation Department’s website.
Documents needed for a Star Card that you must bring with you to the walk-in center include:
Documents that establish your identity, such as a social security card or birth certificate.
Documents that establish Idaho residency, like a mortgage statement or current utility bill.
A full list of documents that can be used is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard. Those who already have a Star Card and need to renew can do so online at dmv.idaho.gov.