If one must get a STAR*ID (in compliance with the REAL ID Act) or replacement, etc. this is the…read moreplace to do it vs the Huntsville location. Totally worth the drive than having to wait a couple hours or half a day at the local HSV office.
If you don't know about the REAL ID Act...
Effective January 22, 2018, air travelers with a driver's license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act (unless that state has been granted an extension to comply with the Act) must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to TSA in order to board a commercial domestic flight. Over the next two years, those states that are not REAL ID compliant are strongly encouraged to meet the requirements of the law for the benefit of their residents.
Upon successfully getting through the metal detectors on the 1st floor, the license office is forward and to your left, then the first door on RT. Be prepared to read a lot of signs, but don't fret. You're in the right place. ;D There will be a screen to check-in at to obtain a # specific to your visit. STAR*IDs (whether drivers license or non-driving ID) are on the 1st floor in that office where one gets their #. DL renewals are on 2nd floor.
Appointments are recommended, but who wants to wait 2-3 weeks out, right?! Came in here recently to get a STAR*ID drivers license since I lost mine, and was quite pleased w my experience. From the officers at the front scanning machine / metal detectors to the worker (Michelle B.) who assisted me, all were genuinely kind and respectful! If you present yourself w respect & kindness to others, it'll be mirrored back to you here. Though don't take kindness as naive or weakness. They're tough cookies here yet respectful. Gotta love when you come across kind government workers. They're far and few, especially in SoCal. Lol. Anywho, if you had to choose between HSV and Decatur, I totally recommend getting your necessary documents done here. I was in @ 9:02a, seen @ 10:20a, and out the door w a new STAR*ID DL at 10:35a! Thanks Michelle B. for being quick, efficient, hospitable, and kind!! While the waiting room was tight, bring your patience for those around you, maybe even a book or a juiced up mobile phone (ringer off), and lots of grace and mercy for the irritable and disrespectful kid w their tiresome parent.
Last but not least, be sure to leave your firearms, knives, and such weapons in the car, or risk having the metal detector go off. Lesson learned. Yikes! Had to go back out and secure mine in the car. The officers were super kind about it, I think surprised too. Lol.