Florida Real ID Driver’s License: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a Florida resident looking to get a driver’s license, you may have heard about the Real ID Act. This federal law, passed in 2005, sets new security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The goal is to make it harder for terrorists to get fake IDs and to prevent identity theft.
Starting October 1, 2021, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. This means that if you don’t have a Real ID, you won’t be able to fly or visit places like military bases, nuclear power plants, or federal courthouses. If you have a valid US passport, military ID, or other federally approved ID, you won’t need a Real ID to fly.
So, what do you need to do to get a Real ID driver’s license in Florida? Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Make an appointment: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires all customers to make an appointment before visiting a driver’s license office. You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV’s website.
2. Gather your documents: To get a Real ID driver’s license, you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, social security number, and residential address. The DHSMV has a list of approved documents on its website, but here are some examples of what you might need:
– Proof of identity: This could be a valid US passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.
– Social security number: You will need to bring your social security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with your complete social security number on it.
– Proof of residential address: This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement in your name.
3. Visit a driver’s license office: Once you have your documents in order, visit a DHSMV driver’s license office at your appointment time. A DHSMV employee will review your documents and take your photo.
4. Pay the fee: Getting a Real ID driver’s license in Florida costs $25, in addition to the regular driver’s license fee. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card.
5. Wait for your new license: After you submit your application and pay the fee, the DHSMV will mail your new Real ID driver’s license to you within 7-10 business days. If there are any issues with your application, the DHSMV will contact you for additional information.
It’s important to note that if you already have a valid US passport, military ID, or other federally approved ID, you do not need to get a Real ID driver’s license. However, if you plan to fly domestically or visit certain federal buildings after October 1, 2021, you will need to have a Real ID-compliant ID.
If you’re not sure whether your current driver’s license is Real ID-compliant, look for a star symbol in the upper right-hand corner. This symbol indicates that your license meets the new security standards set by the Real ID Act. If your license does not have a star symbol, you will need to upgrade to a Real ID driver’s license before the October 1 deadline.
Overall, getting a Real ID driver’s license in Florida is a straightforward process that requires a few key documents and a visit to a DHSMV driver’s license office. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary identification to fly domestically or access certain federal buildings after the October 1 deadline. So don’t wait until the last minute – make an appointment and get your Real ID driver’s license today!
