The REAL ID Act is a federal law that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to prevent identity fraud and make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.
Florida is compliant with the REAL ID Act and issues REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. These cards are marked with a star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card, you will not be able to board a commercial aircraft or enter a federal building after October 10, 2021.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card in Florida, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of having one.
real id florida
New driver's license and ID card.
- Required for air travel and federal buildings.
- Compliant with federal REAL ID Act.
- Marked with star in upper right corner.
- Additional documents required for application.
- Available at Florida driver's license offices.
- Renewed every 8 years.
- Optional but recommended.
Visit Florida DMV website for more information.
Required for air travel and federal buildings.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to prevent identity fraud and make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.
Beginning on October 1, 2021, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be required for the following purposes:
- Boarding a commercial aircraft.
- Entering a federal building.
- Accessing certain federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card, you will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, in order to access these places.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card in Florida, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.
- Two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant card at any Florida driver's license office. The fee for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is $48, and the fee for a REAL ID-compliant identification card is $24.
It is important to note that a REAL ID-compliant card is optional, but it is highly recommended. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card, you will still be able to drive, but you may have difficulty accessing certain places and services.
Compliant with federal REAL ID Act.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to prevent identity fraud and make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain identification documents.
- Compliant with federal standards.
Florida's REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards meet all of the security requirements established by the federal government.
- Machine-readable technology.
REAL ID-compliant cards contain a machine-readable zone that allows law enforcement and other authorized personnel to quickly and easily verify the authenticity of the card.
- Enhanced security features.
REAL ID-compliant cards have a number of security features that make them more difficult to counterfeit, such as holograms and watermarks.
- Nationally recognized.
REAL ID-compliant cards are recognized by all states and federal agencies. This means that you can use your REAL ID-compliant card to board a commercial aircraft, enter a federal building, or access other secure facilities anywhere in the United States.
By issuing REAL ID-compliant cards, Florida is helping to make our state and our country safer.
Marked with star in upper right corner.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards in Florida are marked with a star in the upper right corner.
- Easy to identify.
The star makes it easy to identify REAL ID-compliant cards, both for law enforcement and for members of the public.
- Prevents confusion.
The star helps to prevent confusion between REAL ID-compliant cards and older, non-compliant cards.
- Nationally recognized symbol.
The star is a nationally recognized symbol of REAL ID compliance. This means that you can use your REAL ID-compliant card to board a commercial aircraft, enter a federal building, or access other secure facilities anywhere in the United States.
- Required for air travel and federal buildings.
Beginning on October 1, 2021, REAL ID-compliant cards will be required for air travel and to enter federal buildings. The star makes it easy to see if your card is REAL ID-compliant.
If you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, you will see a star in the upper right corner. This star indicates that your card meets all of the security requirements of the REAL ID Act.
Additional documents required for application.
In addition to the standard documents required for a driver's license or identification card, you will need to provide the following documents when applying for a REAL ID-compliant card in Florida:
- Proof of identity.
This can be a birth certificate, passport, or other document that shows your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Proof of Social Security number.
This can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or other document that shows your Social Security number.
- Two proofs of residency.
This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or other document that shows your name and address.
- Proof of lawful presence.
This is only required for non-U.S. citizens. You can provide a passport, permanent resident card, or other document that shows your lawful presence in the United States.
You can find a complete list of acceptable documents on the Florida DMV website.
Available at Florida driver's license offices.
You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card at any Florida driver's license office. To find the nearest office, visit the Florida DMV website or call 1-800-777-1368.
When you arrive at the driver's license office, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Your current driver's license or identification card (if you have one).
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.
- Two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Proof of lawful presence (for non-U.S. citizens).
You will also need to pay the fee for a REAL ID-compliant card. The fee is $48 for a driver's license and $24 for an identification card.
Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, your photo and fingerprints will be taken. You will then be issued a temporary driver's license or identification card. Your REAL ID-compliant card will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
It is important to note that you may need to make an appointment in advance at some driver's license offices. To avoid long wait times, it is best to call ahead or visit the DMV website to schedule an appointment.
Renewed every 8 years.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards in Florida are valid for 8 years. This is the same renewal period as for standard driver's licenses and identification cards.
- Easy to remember.
The 8-year renewal period is easy to remember, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to renew your card.
- Consistent with other states.
Many other states also have an 8-year renewal period for driver's licenses and identification cards. This makes it easy to renew your card if you move to another state.
- Provides up-to-date information.
Renewing your card every 8 years ensures that the information on your card is up-to-date. This is important for law enforcement and other authorized personnel who need to verify your identity.
- Helps prevent fraud.
Renewing your card every 8 years helps to prevent fraud and identity theft. This is because your photo and fingerprints are updated each time you renew your card.
To renew your REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, you will need to visit a Florida driver's license office and bring the following documents:
- Your current REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.
- Two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
You will also need to pay the renewal fee. The fee is $48 for a driver's license and $24 for an identification card.
Optional but recommended.
Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card is optional in Florida. However, it is highly recommended.
- Easier to travel.
Beginning on October 1, 2021, REAL ID-compliant cards will be required for air travel and to enter federal buildings. If you have a REAL ID-compliant card, you will not need to carry a passport or other form of identification when you travel.
- More convenient.
REAL ID-compliant cards are more convenient than standard driver's licenses and identification cards. This is because they can be used for a wider variety of purposes, such as boarding a commercial aircraft, entering a federal building, and accessing certain federal facilities.
- More secure.
REAL ID-compliant cards are more secure than standard driver's licenses and identification cards. This is because they have a number of security features that make them more difficult to counterfeit.
- Nationally recognized.
REAL ID-compliant cards are recognized by all states and federal agencies. This means that you can use your REAL ID-compliant card to travel, enter federal buildings, and access federal facilities anywhere in the United States.
If you are not sure whether you should get a REAL ID-compliant card, it is best to err on the side of caution and get one. This is especially true if you travel frequently or plan to visit a federal building in the near future.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about REAL ID in Florida:
Question 1: What is a REAL ID?
Answer: A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets the security standards established by the federal government.
Question 2: Do I need a REAL ID?
Answer: A REAL ID is optional in Florida, but it is highly recommended. Beginning on October 1, 2021, REAL ID-compliant cards will be required for air travel and to enter federal buildings.
Question 3: How do I get a REAL ID?
Answer: You can apply for a REAL ID at any Florida driver's license office. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency.
Question 4: How much does a REAL ID cost?
Answer: The fee for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is $48, and the fee for a REAL ID-compliant identification card is $24.
Question 5: How long does it take to get a REAL ID?
Answer: You will be issued a temporary driver's license or identification card when you apply for a REAL ID. Your REAL ID-compliant card will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
Question 6: What are the benefits of having a REAL ID?
Answer: REAL ID-compliant cards are more convenient, more secure, and nationally recognized. You can use your REAL ID-compliant card to travel, enter federal buildings, and access federal facilities anywhere in the United States.
Question 7: What are the disadvantages of having a REAL ID?
Answer: There are no real disadvantages to having a REAL ID. However, some people may be concerned about the cost or the time it takes to get a REAL ID.
Closing Paragraph:
If you are not sure whether you should get a REAL ID, it is best to err on the side of caution and get one. This is especially true if you travel frequently or plan to visit a federal building in the near future.
For more information about REAL ID in Florida, please visit the Florida DMV website.
Tips
Here are some tips for getting a REAL ID in Florida:
Tip 1: Gather your documents in advance.
Before you go to the driver's license office, make sure you have all of the required documents. This includes proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. You can find a complete list of acceptable documents on the Florida DMV website.
Tip 2: Make an appointment.
To avoid long wait times, it is best to make an appointment at the driver's license office. You can make an appointment online or by calling 1-800-777-1368.
Tip 3: Arrive early.
Even if you have an appointment, it is a good idea to arrive at the driver's license office early. This will give you time to fill out the application and have your photo and fingerprints taken.
Tip 4: Be prepared to pay the fee.
The fee for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is $48, and the fee for a REAL ID-compliant identification card is $24. You can pay the fee with cash, check, or credit card.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can make the process of getting a REAL ID in Florida as smooth and easy as possible.
Once you have your REAL ID, you will be able to travel, enter federal buildings, and access federal facilities with ease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a REAL ID in Florida is a simple and straightforward process. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure that you have a smooth and easy experience.
REAL ID-compliant cards are more convenient, more secure, and nationally recognized. They can be used for a wider variety of purposes than standard driver's licenses and identification cards. If you travel frequently or plan to visit a federal building in the near future, it is highly recommended that you get a REAL ID.
Beginning on October 1, 2021, REAL ID-compliant cards will be required for air travel and to enter federal buildings. If you do not have a REAL ID by this date, you will need to carry a passport or other form of identification when you travel.
Getting a REAL ID is the best way to ensure that you have a secure and convenient form of identification that you can use for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Get your REAL ID today!