REAL ID date ahead. How to get one in Florida with less than 1 month to deadline
How to tell if you already have a REAL ID-compliant ID
C. A. Bridges- Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued ID, passport or equivalent will be required for domestic air travel within the United States for those 18 and older.
- Florida residents who have renewed their driver's license or ID since January 2010 likely already have a REAL ID.
- Those who need a REAL ID must apply in person at a Florida driver's license service center or tax collector office with required documentation.
Time is running out if you plan to get on a domestic flight this spring, or ever again.
As of May 7, 2025, every traveler over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card (or a valid passport or passport card) to board a commercial aircraft within the United States.
If you don't have one and don't have your passport or other acceptable form of identification, you will not get through a TSA checkpoint. According to Homeland Security, travelers without their approved IDs can expect to face "delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," even if you're a TSA PreCheck passenger.
Nearly all Floridians should already have one — if you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you're already good to go — but for anyone getting a new license, updating after a name change or moving in from another state who needs to get one, you need to hurry.
How can I tell if I have REAL ID?
You can tell by checking your ID or driver's license. Does it have a gold star on the top right? It's REAL ID compliant.
How do I get a REAL ID in Florida?
You'll need to make an appointment at a local driver's license service center or tax collector office 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.
If my Florida driver's license is not REAL ID compliant, can I renew online?
No. You must present identification documents in person to receive your REAL ID card, but after that you can renew online unless your name has changed since the last time.
How much is a REAL ID card in Florida?
The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including a learner’s permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75. The fee for an ID Card is $25. Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.
What do I need to get a REAL ID card in Florida?
You’ll need to bring original copies of primary documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. You can find the list of accepted documents here.
NOTE: Birth certificates must be issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not considered a certified document and will not be accepted.
There are different document lists for immigrants, non-immigrants, and Canadians wanting a REAL ID card.
What is REAL ID?
It used to be easier to get a driver's license in some states than in others. In 2005, after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set standards for identification, such as driver's licenses, Congress passed the Real ID Act.
The act established minimum security standards for getting a license anywhere across the country and prohibited some federal agencies from accepting anything less.
The Real ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after Jan. 4, 2010. REAL ID-compliant credentials are already required to enter checkpoints at federal facilities, military facilities and nuclear power plants.
What do I need to get a REAL ID card in Florida?
You’ll need to bring original copies of primary documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. You can find the list of accepted documents here.
NOTE: Birth certificates must be issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not considered a certified document and will not be accepted.
There are different document lists for immigrants, non-immigrants, and Canadians wanting a REAL ID card.