REAL ID deadline moving closer. 14 things you need to know to get your Florida license

Cheryl McCloud and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Updated ·6 min read

You're running out of time.

The deadline to have a REAL ID is now less than a year away.

Originally set for October 2021, the deadline for U.S. residents to have a REAL ID has been extended at least twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning in May 2025, anyone 18 and older who plans to take a domestic flight will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.

Here's what you need to know about REAL IDs.

What is a REAL ID?

Florida driver's license showing REAL ID compliant star in upper right corner.
Florida driver's license showing REAL ID compliant star in upper right corner.

After the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government set standards for identification, Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005.

The act established minimum security standards for getting a license anywhere across the country and prohibited some federal agencies from accepting anything less.

"The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards," according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The purposes are:

  • Accessing certain federal facilities

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft

  • Entering nuclear power plants

The Real ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after Jan. 4, 2010.

Why do you need a REAL ID?

Without a REAL ID, you will not be permitted to pass through a TSA checkpoint after May 7, 2025.

REAL ID-compliant credentials already are required to enter checkpoints at federal facilities, military facilities and nuclear power plants.

What's the deadline to get a REAL ID?

The federal government is expected to start enforcing REAL ID on May 7, 2025. At that time, people will need either a Real ID or passport to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities.

So if you're an adult and plan to fly commercially, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

Is there an alternative to a REAL ID?

Sort of. If you don't have a REAL ID, you'll need:

  • A REAL ID-compliant identification.

  • A valid passport or passport card.

Countdown clock to deadline for a REAL ID

Where do you go to get a REAL ID in Florida?

Real IDs in Florida will be issued to first-time and renewing customers at a local driver's license service center or tax collector officer.

You must visit an office in person to get a REAL ID the first time, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Since January 2020, those without a REAL ID license have not been able to renew their licenses online through the MyDMV Portal.

If your card is not REAL ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, make an appointment to get a new card. Locations can be found here.

A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the card’s expiration date.

How do you know if you already have a REAL ID?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.

In Florida, a REAL ID is marked with a gold circle with a white star in the top right corner of your driver's license or state identification card. If the star is there, it's REAL ID compliant.

If you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you should be good to go.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Florida?

The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including learner’s permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75.

The fee for a state ID card is $25.

Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.

Here's what you need to bring with you to get a REAL ID in Florida

Florida driver's license showing REAL ID compliant star in upper right corner.
Florida driver's license showing REAL ID compliant star in upper right corner.

You’ll need to bring one of the primary documents listed below to prove your identity, legal residence and date of birth:

For U.S. citizens:

  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport

  • Original or certified copy of a birth certificate

  • Consular report of birth abroad

  • Certificate of naturalization issued by DHS

  • Certificate of citizenship

  • If your name has changed from the one on your primary identity document, you should also bring:

    • Court-ordered name change document

    • Marriage certificate, issued by the courts, and/or

    • Divorce decree, issued by the courts

In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name.

For non-citizens:

  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card – I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents

  • Valid passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees

  • Other government-issued document showing your full name

  • Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence

  • If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services documents.

Both citizens and non-citizens will need to bring:

  • Your Social Security Card or proof of your social security number. You can find a list of documents that provide proof of your social security number on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's What to Bring page.

  • Two documents that show your principle residence

How long does it take to get a REAL ID in Florida?

Once your identity and legal status have been verified, a driver's license or ID card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver record.

The driver's license or ID card will be issued for the period of time specified on the USCIS document, up to a maximum of four years.

Is REAL ID mandatory in Florida?

Yes. Every state resident must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card — or valid passport — to board a commercial aircraft within the U.S.

Without a REAL ID — or acceptable alternative — travelers will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Will children need to have a REAL ID?

No. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Can you use a REAL ID to enter the Bahamas, Mexico or Canada, or another country?

No. REAL IDs cannot be used for border crossings or international travel. If you're traveling internationally, you still need a passport.

REAL IDs also can't be used for international sea cruise travel.

What is the gold star on my Florida driver's license?

If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: REAL ID Florida: Deadline, TSA checkpoints, US travel for mandatory ID