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The REAL ID Act

About Driver Licenses and ID Cards Menu

The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 sets new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards.

The Department of Homeland Security has released its rules to implement the requirements of the REAL ID Act:

REAL ID Good to Know Facts

The REAL ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The new credentials have a single gold star in the upper right corner of the card, as shown in the sample license example on the left.

Your current Florida license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 and December 1, 2017 for everyone else.

After the 2014 and 2017 dates, Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver license or ID card unless it is Real ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to board commercial flights or enter federal facilities unless you have a REAL ID compliant document.

Florida has met the 18 material compliant requirements of REAL ID.

REAL ID Act - Frequently Asked Questions

Question:	What is REAL ID?
Answer:	REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.

Question:	Does Florida plan to issue REAL ID licenses and ID cards?
Answer:	Yes, Florida began issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards on January 1, 2010.

Question:	Do I need to get a new license on May 11, 2008, if I intend to fly or enter federal facilities?
Answer:	No, your current Florida license or ID card will remain valid and acceptable for official federal purposes.

Question	How long will federal agencies continue to accept my non REAL ID compliant Florida license or ID card for air travel and other official federal purposes?
Answer:	Federal agencies will continue to accept your valid, unexpired Florida license or ID card for official purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 or December 1, 2017 for everyone else.

Question:	What documents do I need to bring with me when I apply for a REAL ID compliant license or ID card?
Answer:	You will need to bring one of the following primary documents to establish your identity, proof of legal residence and date of birth: For a detailed list of required items, please visit www.gathergoget.com *For U.S. Citizens:* 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 *For cases where the current name and the name on the primary identity document are different, you should also bring:* Court ordered name change document Marriage certificate, issued by the courts and/or Divorce decree, issued by the courts In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name. For more detailed information on the required identity documents please visit www.gathergoget.com. *For Non-Citizens:* Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card – I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents Valid Passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees Other government issued document showing your full name Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) documents. Both Citizens and Non-Citizens will need to bring: Your Social Security Card or proof of your social security number. A list of documents that provide proof of the social security number can be found on our website at: www.gathergoget.com Two documents that show your principal residence A list of these kinds of documents can be found on our website at: www.gathergoget.com

Question:	Will I still be able to renew my license online after January 1, 2010?
Answer:	You are allowed to renew one time by a convenience method (Internet or mail). Your next renewal must then be in a driver license office. For example, if you renewed your license online in March 2009, you will need to visit a driver license office for your next renewal.

Question:	Will the new card look significantly different?
Answer:	No, expected changes will be minor. The new cards will have a gold star in the upper right corner to make them easily recognizable as Real ID compliant.

Question:	Will I be able to have both a REAL ID driver license and a REAL ID identification card?
Answer:	No, the final Rule specifies that each individual can only hold a REAL ID driver license or a REAL ID identification card, but not both simultaneously. If you currently hold both, one will be cancelled during your next card issuance.

Question:	After Florida begins issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards, can I get mine before the expiration date on my current license or ID card?
Answer:	Yes, a normal Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior and a Commercial Driver License up to 12 months prior to the card's expiration date.

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