After 9/11 the federal government passed the “Real ID Act of 2005.” The Act set new standards for driver licenses and ID cards. These ID cards will be required by all air travelers using commercial aircraft as of October, 1, 2020. New driver licenses and ID cards have a star in the upper righ t corner of the card, indicating that they are REAL ID-compliant. Floridians have just seven months to get the new, compliant driver’s license. As of October, 1, 2020, anyone who uses their driver’s license for identification but it is not REAL ID compliant will not be allowed to go through the security line at the airport. However, a United States passport can be substituted for their driver’s license.
Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant credentials after Jan. 1, 2010. The new credentials have a star in the upper right corner of the card. Florida is a REAL ID compliant state and all Florida licenses should be accepted nationwide.
Here’s what you need to know and do:
Items that must be brought when applying for the REAL ID driver’s license:
- One Primary Identification that shows full legal name and date of birth (US Passport, Birth certificate, or Certificate of citizenship)
- One Original Proof of Social Security (social security card, W-2 form, pay check/stub
- TWO Proofs of residential address (Florida voter registration card, Utility bill, Medical or health card with address listed, etc.)
As the months get shorter, the lines at the DMV offices will get longer. It is in your best interest to get your REAL ID now
