Florida’s deadline for obtaining a new ID for travelers is approaching. Here are the important details.

The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is quickly approaching as it will be required for domestic travel starting next year. Individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the particulars of this identification requirement.

REAL ID is part of a national initiative aimed at bolstering the security and integrity of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. As defined by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the implementation of REAL ID helps combat terrorism and mitigate identity fraud. To qualify as a REAL ID, an identification card must feature a star enclosed within a circle in the upper right corner. If your driver’s license does not display this icon, it is imperative to apply for a REAL ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office as soon as possible.

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers within the United States will be obligated to follow REAL ID regulations to board domestic flights and access various federal facilities. According to the Department of Homeland Security, without a REAL ID or a U.S. passport, travelers will not be permitted to board domestic flights. While the rollout of this regulation was initially scheduled for May 7, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security opted to extend the deadline to allow states and residents more time to comply. Notably, Florida began issuing REAL IDs in 2010.

Travelers arriving at airports without a REAL ID, passport, or another acceptable form of identification after the deadline can anticipate delays, additional screening, and the possibility of being denied access to the airport security checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration has indicated that passengers lacking appropriate identification will be subjected to enhanced security procedures. These requirements are applicable to all individuals aged 18 and older, including those with TSA PreCheck. Travelers whose identities cannot be verified or who decline to undergo additional screening will not gain access to airport security.

In Florida, obtaining a REAL ID necessitates presenting specific documents to verify your identity, legal residency, and date of birth. For U.S. citizens, suitable documents include a valid U.S. passport or an original or certified birth certificate. Non-citizens may present a valid permanent resident card or other government-issued documentation verifying their lawful presence. Additionally, both citizens and non-citizens are required to provide their Social Security number along with two documents that establish their principal residence.

For individuals who have not yet secured a REAL ID, a visit to a DMV office is necessary. However, those already in possession of a REAL ID may qualify for online renewal of their Florida driver’s license, provided their last renewal occurred in person. As the deadline looms, residents are urged to take action promptly to ensure compliance with this important identification mandate.

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