No STAR ID? BPL Makes Getting Your Passport Easy
✈️ Don’t have a STAR ID yet? You’re not alone. But don't worry: there’s a smart alternative right here in Birmingham - the Birmingham Public Library (BPL).
At BPL’s Central Library, Avondale Regional, and Springville Road Regional Library, our friendly staff can guide you through the passport application process quickly and easily.
Many Alabama travelers are finding that a U.S. passport offers more flexibility and peace of mind than a STAR ID. Whether you’re planning an international trip, flying to visit family, or simply want a trusted federal ID, getting your passport at BPL is convenient, family‑friendly, and stress‑free. Passports are especially useful for seniors, students, and first‑time travelers.
✈️ Why choose a passport over a STAR ID?
🌍 Passport vs. STAR ID
A passport keeps you travel‑ready and is accepted nationwide for:
✅ Domestic Flights
✅ Federal Buildings
✅ International Travel
✔️Nationwide Acceptance
A passport isn’t
limited to domestic flights. It’s accepted everywhere as a trusted federal ID.
✔️ Two‑for‑One Value
Your passport lets
you breeze through TSA for domestic flights and explore international
destinations when you’re ready.
✔️ Skip the DMV Lines
Forget waiting weeks
for a DMV appointment! At BPL, you can:
- Walk in at the Central Library
(Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Schedule an appointment at
Avondale or Springville Road Libraries
With more
staff on hand, shorter lines, and flexible hours, we help you get it done on
your schedule.
✔️ Built‑In Flexibility
Missed the STAR ID
deadline? A passport keeps you covered at airports, federal buildings, military
bases, and more.
🧳 Real‑Life Example
Not planning
to travel abroad soon? Imagine you’re flying to tour a college campus, visiting
a federal courthouse, or going to a military graduation. Without a STAR ID or
passport, you might be turned away. A passport saves you from those last‑minute
surprises.
👨👩👧👦 Why Travelers Love Getting Passports
at BPL
Beyond convenience, BPL makes the process comfortable and welcoming:
• Spacious, family‑friendly locations (easy to bring kids or seniors)
• Helpful, trained staff who walk you through each step
• On‑site passport photos — no extra stop needed
• Travel guides, language books, and destination resources you can check out
while you wait
• College students who don’t have a STAR ID yet
• Seniors who no longer drive but still travel
• Families planning trips together
📍 Where to Apply for Your Passport at
BPL
• Central
Library – Walk‑ins welcome, Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (205-226-3705)
• Avondale Regional Library – By appointment (205‑226‑4000)
• Springville Road Regional Library – By appointment (205‑226‑4081)
✨ Learn more & get started: www.cobpl.org
📱 Facebook: BirminghamPublicLibrary
📸 Instagram: @BPLpics
🐦 Twitter: @BPL
➡️ Click here to get passport fee info.
Next time you
think of the library, remember: we offer so much more than books.
At the Birmingham Public Library, we help you open new doors to the world — one
passport at a time.
Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director - Birmingham Public Library
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