REAL ID In Florida: Here's What You Need To Get One

FLORIDA — After the deadline was extended several times because of the coronavirus pandemic, Floridians now have less than a year to obtain their REAL ID, which will be required to fly domestically starting May 3, 2023.

Getting a REAL ID isn't necessarily required, but Florida officials recommends it. U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offices require an in-person visit to bring in the required documents for a REAL ID the first time. Check www.flhsmv.gov/locations to find a driver license service center or tax collector office near you.

The agency recommends making an appointment prior to your office visit.

To obtain a real ID, Florida residents must provide documents to prove their identity, their Social Security number, a written signature and two documents that show proof of residence.

View the FLHSMV's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

It's important to note that the new federally-compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional Florida driver's license. This new card will have a little gold star in the top right corner, while a driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

Any Floridian who can prove their legal presence in the U.S. with one accepted identity document is eligible to apply for this card, officials said. DACA and Temporary Protected Status recipients are also eligible to apply if their documents are current, according to Florida officials. See the REAL ID checklist here.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

How to apply for the REAL ID in Florida

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents and take a trip to the DMV.

1. First gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551"
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility

2. Then find proof of your social security number (full number required)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Paystub

3. Gather two of these documents to prove Florida residency

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone)
• Medical documents
• Car or Boat registration
• Employment documents
• Insurance documents
• Bank and Financial institution records
• Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
• Mortgage bill
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant)
• IRS or Florida FTB tax return

4. Visit a FLHSMV office. Find one close to you.