I wonder if it has anything to do with the RealID thing, which puts a star on your drivers license after you verify some info.

It’s used for domestic flying but not strictly required until 2025. Still a very common thing for people to get when they are renewing - the act for it was passed in 2005 and when I went to get an address change around 2013 it was offered to me but I didn’t have proof of address and had a valid passport so declined.