What is a REAL ID? Time is running out before you need one to fly. What you need to get one

• Starting on May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant document, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID, to fly domestically.
• REAL IDs can be obtained at local motor vehicle departments and require documentation such as proof of identity, residency, and legal status.
• The deadline was pushed back from 2020 to 2025 due to backlogs at Motor Vehicle Division offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning your spring and summer vacations? You might want to get your paperwork ready. In six months, the deadline for REAL IDs will hit and without one, you won't be able to get on a plane.

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, you won't get through the TSA checkpoint.

The good news is you probably 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.

Here's what you need to know.

What is REAL ID?

It used to be easier to get a driver's license in some states than in others. 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 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 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.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID in Florida?

Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant.

How do I get a REAL ID in Florida?

If you don't already have a REAL ID card or your existing ID is not REAL ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, or if your name has changed since the last time you got a card, 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.

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.

How many Floridians already have a REAL ID?

By December 2023, the Florida REAL ID compliance rate was "over 98%," according to FDHSMV Director of Communications Molly Best.

When will REAL ID be enforced?

The Department of Homeland Security started enforcing REAL ID requirements at semi-restricted areas in federal facilities, nuclear power plants and military facilities by October 2015.

As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card will be required for any adult U.S. resident to board a federally regulated commercial aircraft. Originally the deadline was May 3, 2023, but during the COVID-19 pandemic the deadline was extended two years forward.

Did Florida change driver's license numbers in 2024?

For many years the 13 numbers on your driver's license encoded personal details such as your name, birth year and gender. However, a concern arose that this could lead to identity theft if someone else could deduce your DL number based on your personal information.

A new statute passed by the Florida Legislature this year to improve security and prevent fraud now requires that all distinguishing numbers assigned to a driver's license or ID card must include at least four randomly generated numbers, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

It went into effect July 31.

Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY