Florida Air Travel: Real Id Requirements And Airport Rules

From May 7, 2025, all US air travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This means that Florida residents will require a REAL ID to fly within the US from this date. Florida has been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since 2010, identifiable by a star in the top right corner.

Florida airports and the Real ID Act

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, almost 20 years ago. The act was based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission that the federal government should have "standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and IDs that don't meet those standards.

Florida began issuing Real ID-compliant credentials on January 1, 2010, so if your license was issued after this date, it is likely Real ID-compliant. To check, look for a star in the upper right corner of your driver's license or ID card. If your license has a yellow and white star in that corner, you have a Real ID.

From May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 or older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID, to fly within the United States. This means that if your ID is not Real ID-compliant, you will need to bring another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.

If you don't have a Real ID, you can get one at your local DMV. To get a Real ID, you will need to bring one of the following primary documents to establish your identity, proof of legal residence, and date of birth:

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• Original or Certified copy of a birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
• Certificate of Citizenship

Boarding requirements for domestic flights

As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This includes boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID card will be required for those aged 18 and over. This can be identified by a star or flag in the top right corner of the card. If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.

If you are a Florida resident, you can obtain a REAL ID-compliant ID at your local DMV. Florida has been issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials since January 2010, so there is a chance you may already have one.

International travel and Real ID

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires them for air travel and entry into federal facilities starting on May 7, 2025. This includes boarding commercial aircraft and accessing semi-restricted areas in federal facilities. The Act was formulated in response to the September 11 attacks to increase security measures and prevent terrorism.

While the REAL ID Act affects domestic air travel within the US, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for a passport for international travel. A passport is still required for international flights, and a REAL ID cannot be used to enter Canada or Mexico by land or any other international travel destinations. However, there is an exception for enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs), which are issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These EDLs allow land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean but are not valid for air travel.

For international travel, a foreign government-issued passport is required. This can be from any country and is accepted as a valid form of identification for international flights departing from US airports. It is important to note that TSA requirements for identification only apply to adult passengers (18 years and older). Children under 18 travelling with a companion within the US do not need to provide identification, but the companion must have acceptable identification. Airlines may have their own requirements for proof of the child's age, such as a birth certificate or passport.

In summary, the REAL ID Act primarily affects domestic air travel within the US, and a passport is still the standard form of identification for international travel. For US residents, obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card is essential for domestic travel, but it is not a replacement for a passport when travelling internationally.

How to identify a Real ID

As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID is identified by a small star on the top right corner of the ID card. If your ID or driver's license does not have this star, it is not a REAL ID.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state's driver's licensing agency in person. You will need to provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

Some states may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific requirements.

It is important to note that a REAL ID is not required for all purposes. For example, it is not needed for driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment. Additionally, a REAL ID cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel, including international sea cruise travel. In these cases, a passport or other acceptable forms of identification are required.

Obtaining a Real ID in Florida

From 7 May 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Florida is a REAL ID-compliant state and has been issuing REAL ID credentials since 4 January 2010. These credentials have a star in the top right corner of the card.

To obtain a REAL ID in Florida, you must visit a driver's license service center or tax collector's office in person. It is recommended that you make an appointment before your visit.

When applying for a REAL ID, you will need to bring one of the following primary documents to establish your identity, proof of legal residence, and date of birth:

• Valid, unexpired US passport
• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
• Certificate of Citizenship

If your name has changed and is different from the name on your primary identity document, you must also bring one of the following:

• Court-ordered name change document
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree

The document must show a clear trail of name changes from your birth name to your current name.

In addition, both citizens and non-citizens will need to bring:

• Your Social Security Card or proof of your social security number
• Two documents that show your principal residence

Frequently asked questions