Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards are required for any adult U.S. resident to board a commercial aircraft within the United States. REAL IDs are issued by state driver's licensing agencies and typically feature a star in the upper right corner. If a traveler's driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport, may be presented at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Florida license accepted at the airport | Yes, if it is REAL ID-compliant, i.e., has a star in the top right corner. |
| REAL ID-compliant license required from | May 7, 2025 |
| Other accepted forms of ID | State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, etc. |
| Children under 18 | Do not need to provide ID when traveling within the U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, every US state resident must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to board a commercial aircraft within the United States. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card will have a star in the top right corner. This is known as the REAL ID star marking. If your card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.
If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices. A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) is also an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant card and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. For proof of a Social Security number, you can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, a pay stub, or a paycheck from your job. To prove residency, you may need to provide a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
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State-issued identification
The specific appearance of REAL ID-compliant cards varies depending on the state of residency. In most states, including Florida, these IDs are marked with a star in the upper right corner, which may be gold or black, or inside a gold or black circle. In California, the REAL ID marker is a gold bear with a white star. It is important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as valid identification at airports.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals must typically provide documentation of their full legal name, date of birth (such as a birth certificate), Social Security number, proof of lawful U.S. status, and two proofs of principal residence. These documents are used to establish identity, proof of residence, and date of birth.
While the REAL ID is a crucial form of identification, it is not the only acceptable option. If an individual's driver's license or state ID is not REAL ID-compliant, there are alternative forms of identification that can be presented at the airport. These alternatives include a valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) issued by certain states. Additionally, the TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
It is always recommended to check the TSA's list of acceptable identification documents before traveling to ensure a smooth airport experience. This list is subject to change, and travelers are encouraged to stay updated to avoid any issues at the airport. By being prepared with the proper identification, travelers can navigate security checkpoints efficiently and securely.
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TSA security checkpoint requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) works to ensure safe travel through both visible and unseen security measures. TSA security checkpoint requirements include identity verification and screening of personal items. Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:
Identity Verification:
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards will be accepted as valid forms of ID at TSA checkpoints. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID is typically indicated by a gold star in the upper right corner. If you have a temporary driver's license or a state-issued ID that is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport or passport card. It is recommended to check the TSA website for the latest list of acceptable IDs before travelling.
Screening Process:
The TSA employs screening technology and unpredictable security measures, such as pat-down procedures, to ensure prohibited items or threats are not carried onto aircraft. Passengers with TSA PreCheck™ may receive expedited screening, although they may still be subject to pat-downs at times. During the pat-down procedure, a TSA officer will advise you of the process, which may include inspection of sensitive areas.
Personal Items:
All items must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt for screening. Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage must comply with the Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. Firearms are only permitted in checked baggage if they are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and declared to the airline. Certain items, such as fireworks, box cutters, utility knives, and razors, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Additional Recommendations:
To ensure a smooth security checkpoint experience, it is advised to arrive at the airport early, wear easily removable shoes, and pack items in layers. If you have a disability or medical condition, you may contact the TSA Cares helpline in advance for assistance.
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Acceptable alternative forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that a Florida license will only be accepted at the airport if it is REAL ID-compliant. A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star in the top right corner.
If your Florida license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to bring an acceptable alternative form of ID. Here are some acceptable alternative forms of ID:
- A valid passport or passport card: A U.S. passport may be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card for official identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): These are state-issued photo identity cards that meet the REAL ID standards.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST): These are trusted traveler programs that provide expedited travel through dedicated lanes and kiosks.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: This includes IDs issued to dependents of military personnel.
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs): These are accepted as long as they meet the REAL ID standards.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. It is recommended to check the TSA website or with your state department of motor vehicles before traveling to ensure you have the correct identification. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
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REAL ID requirements for federal facilities
From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will be required for any adult US resident to board a federally regulated commercial aircraft.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued IDs for accessing federal facilities if the ID was issued by a REAL ID-compliant state and meets the REAL ID security standards. This means the ID must include the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the top right corner.
If a traveler's ID is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need to present another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to enter the security checkpoint. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
REAL ID-compliant credentials are already required to enter checkpoints at federal facilities, military facilities, and nuclear power plants. A US passport may also be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card for official identification.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID deadline for US air travel was May 7, 2025.
Depending on your state of residency, REAL ID cards will display a gold star, a black star, a gold circle with a white star, a black circle with a white star, or a gold bear with a white star (in California only).
If your Florida license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can make an appointment at a local driver's license service center or tax collector's office to obtain a REAL ID.
If you don't have a REAL ID, you can use a valid passport or passport card, or a State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
Yes, children under 18 are exempt from the REAL ID requirement when traveling with an adult who has acceptable identification.
