The results of residual stress characterization near friction stir welded (FSW) butt joint of aluminum plates are reported. The experimental analysis employs two-side measurements of local deformation response on small hole drilling by reflection hologram interferometry. The approach developed is based on the unequivocally solution of the properly posed inverse problem thus deriving both membrane and bending residual stress components. Residual stress components of high level are derived inside the tool shoulder borders on both specimen faces.