Florida Residents Urged to Prepare for Real ID Enforcement by May 2025

Florida residents aged 18 and older must prepare to present a Real ID, passport, or other federally approved identification starting May 7, 2025, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. This requirement stems from the Real ID Act, an anti-terrorism measure passed in 2005 to enhance national security standards for state-issued identification cards.

Originally scheduled to take effect in 2008, enforcement of the Real ID Act has been delayed multiple times due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the current deadline, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a phased enforcement period extending until May 2027 to avoid significant disruptions.

Floridians should not delay obtaining Real ID-compliant identification despite the phased approach. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing Real ID-compliant credentials on January 1, 2010. These licenses feature a star in the upper right corner and are recognized nationwide.

Residents must visit a driver’s license service center or a tax collector's office to obtain a real ID for the first time. Miami International Airport already accepts eligible digital IDs as part of the state’s compliance efforts.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that only about 70 percent of state-issued identifications will be compliant by the May 2025 deadline. TSA agents screen approximately 2.5 million passengers daily, and the absence of compliant identification could impact significant numbers of travelers. If even 1 percent of passengers present non-compliant IDs, thousands could be turned away, causing substantial delays.

While enforcement plans are still being finalized, a progressive approach with multiple warnings before denying boarding is being considered. Travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain their Real ID before the deadline to avoid potential disruptions.