Florida REAL ID: What You Need To Know
Beginning on May 7, 2025, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to prove your identity to board a flight or enter federal facilities.
Written by Claire Beaney
Edited by R.E. Fulton
REAL ID will be implemented in
Florida
on May 7, 2025. To obtain your REAL ID, you must go in person and present some official documents proving your identity.- A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that is also a form of identification recognized federally. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the United States and gain access to secure government facilities like military bases and federal courthouses.
- The date for REAL ID enforcement in Florida is set for May 7, 2025, but it is already required for domestic flights.
- Floridians should head to your nearest driver's license service facility or tax collector office, in person, to obtain their REAL ID.
- A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that is also a form of identification recognized federally. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the United States and gain access to secure government facilities like military bases and federal courthouses.
- The date for REAL ID enforcement in Florida is set for May 7, 2025, but it is already required for domestic flights.
- Floridians should head to your nearest driver's license service facility or tax collector office, in person, to obtain their REAL ID.
How to get your REAL ID in Florida
To apply for a Florida REAL ID card, you'll first have to gather a number of required documents.
You must show one of the following primary documents to confirm your identity, proof of legal residency, and date of birth.
For US citizens:
- A valid, unexpired US passport
- A birth certificate, either original or certified copy
- Consular report of birth abroad
- Certificate of naturalization from DHS
- Certificate of citizenship
If your current name is different from the name on your main identity document, you should also bring:
- A court-ordered name change document
- Court-issued marriage certificate and/or
- Court-issued divorce decree
All name changes from your original given name to the current one must be clearly shown, no matter which documentation you bring.
For non-citizens:
- Valid, unexpired lawful Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
- Non-immigrants, besides asylum applicants and refugees, must have a valid passport
- Other government-issued documents with your full name
- Document from the Department of Homeland Security proving lawful presence
- If your name has changed as a result of marriage or divorce, you must have it updated on your Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) documents
Both citizens and non-citizens must bring their Social Security Card or proof of social security number, as well as two documents proving their residential address (i.e. utility bills, rental agreement). Check out the
"What To Bring" page
on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) site for a complete list of acceptable forms of identification.If this is your first time obtaining a REAL ID, you will need to visit an office: visit the FLHSMV site to find
a driver's license service facility
or tax collector office near you. Before going to the office, it's highly recommended you make an appointment.The fee for a REAL ID in Florida is $25—which is the same as a standard
Florida driver’s license
. Since 2010, Florida has been issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials on all licenses. Do you need a REAL ID in Florida?
The short answer? Yes.
A Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or another acceptable form of ID, will be required for all passengers 18 and older on domestic flights.
The best way to check to see if your license is federally compliant is by seeing if your license has a gold star on the card’s upper right corner. If it does, you’re in the clear.
If it doesn’t, your license is still valid, but you won’t be able to use it to board flights after the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025.
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FAQs
What do you need to get a REAL ID in Florida?
In general, to get a REAL ID in Florida, you'll need a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your legal residency, proof of your address, and if you've changed your name, proof of that.
Non-citizens need a Lawful Permanent Resident Card, a valid passport, government-issued documents, a document from the Department of Homeland Security for legal presence, and, if necessary, updated CIS documents for name changes.
Can I fly without a REAL ID in Florida?
For the time being, you can fly without a REAL ID in Florida; however, beginning May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to fly within the United States.
What is REAL ID vs enhanced ID Florida?
REAL ID and Enhanced ID are both secure identification options in Florida. However, REAL ID meets federal requirements for domestic flights and federal facility access, whereas Enhanced ID—in addition to meeting REAL ID requirements—allows for land and sea travel to specific regions without the need for a passport.
RFID technology is also part of Enhanced ID, which helps speed up border crossings and is signified by a flag symbol.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2023 Florida?
No, you will only need a REAL ID to fly in Florida starting on May 7, 2025.
What is the cost of a REAL ID in Florida?
In Florida, the fee for a REAL ID is $25, which is the same as the cost of a standard driver's license.
When did Florida start issuing REAL IDs?
On January 1, 2010, the issuance of REAL IDs in Florida began as part of the adoption of federal security regulations.
When does REAL ID go into effect in Florida?
The enforcement of REAL ID begins in Florida on May 7, 2025
Where can I get a REAL ID in Florida?
To get your hands on a REAL ID, you'll have to visit a local tax collector's office or driver's license service center. It's a good idea to make an appointment before going to the office.
What are the benefits of getting a REAL ID in Florida?
The primary advantages of obtaining a REAL ID in Florida are being able to fly domestically, access to certain federal facilities that require identification, and eliminating the need to carry additional forms of identification when participating in federal activities.
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