Can't get a Real ID in Florida before the May 7 deadline? Here's how you can fly anyway
As of May 7, 2025, every traveler over the age of 18 must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to board a commercial aircraft within the country or they will be stopped at the TSA checkpoint. It's a big deal and you need to be ready for it. Real IDs are already required for entry into restricted and some semi-restricted areas in federal or military facilities and nuclear power plants.
However, if you can't get one before the deadline you can still fly if you have a valid passport or passport card or one of these acceptable identifications from the Transportation Security Administration website.
Here's what you need to know.
A Real ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver's license or ID that meets new security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11. The deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's Real ID compliant.
Florida began issuing them in January 2010 and, according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director of Communications Molly Best, the Real ID compliance rate in Florida was "over 98%" more than a year ago.
As of May 7, 2025, Real ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card will be required for any adult U.S. resident to:
Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
Access federal government facilities or military installations
Enter nuclear power plants
You'll need to make an appointment at a local driver's license service center or tax collector office if:
You don't already have a Real ID card or your existing ID is not Real ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025
Your name has changed by marriage, divorce, or court order since the last time you got a card
A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the card's expiration date.
No. You'll need to present identification documents in person to receive your Real ID card, but after that you can renew online.
Yes, if you can present alternate acceptable identification such as your passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveler card, U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, border crossing card, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation, or others. Here's the list.
However, a driver's license or state ID that is not Real ID compliant will no longer be acceptable.
The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including a learner's permit) is $48, a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75 and endorsements are $7.00 each.
The fee for an ID Card is $25. Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.
You'll need to bring original copies of primary documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. You can find the list of accepted documents here.
NOTE: Birth certificates must be issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not considered a certified document and will not be accepted.
There are different document lists for immigrants, non-immigrants, and Canadians wanting a REAL ID card.
"Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, noncitizens with conditional permanent resident status, noncitizens with an approved application for asylum, and noncitizens who have entered the United States as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card," according to DHS.
You'll need to bring original documents showing your status and proof of your residential address. Here's where to find Florida's document requirements for noncitizens and immigrants.
Yes, if you have a Social Security card and either a Canadian passport or a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document establishing a legal presence in the country. You'll also need proof of your residential address.
Here's where to find Florida's document requirements for Canadians.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When do you need Real ID to fly? Florida info as deadline approaches
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