REAL ID for Florida Residents
What is a Florida REAL ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID act in 2005 to ramp up security measures across the country. Implementation of these measures has been slow, but starting on October 1, 2021, you will need a REAL ID or passport to:
- Board domestic flights.
- Enter nuclear plants.
- Enter federal facilities.
If you’re not sure whether your current FL driver’s license or ID card is REAL ID compliant, check the upper right corner for a star. The star means you have a REAL ID.
Florida REAL ID Checklist
Obtaining a REAL ID for the first time cannot be done online. Florida residents can obtain a REAL ID at their local FLHSMV office. If you wish, you can convert your FL license to a REAL ID when you renew.
You’ll need to provide*:
- Proof of Identification. This can include a:
- U.S. original birth certificate or certified copy.
- Valid U.S. passport.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN). This can be:
- Your social security card.
- W-2 or paystub that contains your full name and SSN (not handwritten).
- 1099 form (not handwritten).
- Proof of Florida residency. You need 2 documents to prove residency. Acceptable items include:
- Mortgage statement or rental/lease agreement.
- Utility bill in your name.
- Mail you received from government agencies or financial institutions.
- Payment for the $48 license fee.
*Find a complete list of acceptable documents on the FLHSMV website.
How to Renew a FL REAL ID
Once you have a REAL ID, you can simply renew your REAL ID card or license the same way you would renew your Florida license. The same goes for replacing your FL driver’s license.
In most cases this can be done:
- Online.
- In-person at a FLHSMV field office.