Real ID Deadline In FL: 7 Questions Answered

FLORIDA — While it's been talked about for several years, the Real ID deadline is less than eight months away for Florida residents. Starting Oct. 1, driver's licenses and state IDs must be Real ID compliant to meet federal security standards. After that date, drivers' licenses and state IDs that are not Real ID compliant will not be accepted as identification by federal authorities.

You'll need the new ID, with a star in a circle in the upper right corner, if you plan to fly or enter any military base or federal building as of Oct. 1. Real IDs will be needed to board a domestic commercial flight as of Oct. 1, unless you have a valid passport or military ID card. Already some military bases may no longer accept non-Real ID compliant credentials which display "Federal Limits Apply."

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.

While Florida began offering the secure ID in 2010, the national deadline countdown has begun. Many residents continue to have questions about the law's requirements.

Here are seven common Real ID questions answered:

Do I have to get a Real ID?
No. Real IDs are optional. If you have a passport, you can use that form of identification to board flights and obtain entry into federal facilities. Real IDs are not required to drive in Florida.

Do I need a REAL ID to vote?
No. You do not need a Real ID to vote.

How and where do I get a REAL ID?
Customers must visit an office to become REAL ID compliant for the first time. Visit www.flhsmv.gov/locations to find a driver license service center or tax collector office near you. We recommend making an appointment prior to your office visit.

What documents do I need?
Obtaining a Real ID requires the following:

• One proof of identity
• One proof of legal presence
• Two proofs of Florida residency
• One proof of Social Security number
• Current driver's license, if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state, territory or jurisdiction
• If proof documents contain different names (for example, if the last name on a birth certificate is different than the name on a payroll check stub), it's necessary to supply documents showing proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order.

For a detailed list of required items, click here.

Will I be able to have both a Real ID driver license and a Real ID ID card?
No, each person can only hold a Real ID driver license or a Real ID ID card, but not both. If you currently hold both, one will be cancelled during your next card issuance.

Can minors get a REAL ID?
Yes, Real ID-compliant versions are available for minors. The documents required to get an initial learner's permit, driver's license or photo ID card (birth certificate or passport, Social Security card and two proofs of residency) are the same documents that are required to opt into Real ID.

Does my child need a REAL ID to board an airplane?
The TSA does not currently require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.

You can find frequently asked questions about Real ID on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.