On Jan, 1, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) celebrated the mark of Florida reaching a 98% REAL ID-compliance rate. Despite the many times the federal deadline has been extended to allow states additional time to meet the REAL ID-compliance requirements, Florida has continuously been a nationwide leader in the effort toward REAL ID compliance and is well poised to reach 100% compliance ahead of the deadline.

“Florida is proud to lead the nation in REAL ID-compliance," said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. "Over the last several years, Florida has made significant progress to ensure every Floridian is REAL ID-compliant ahead of the ever-changing federal deadline. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the efforts of the men and women of FLHSMV, our county tax collectors, and the more than 19 million Floridians who sport a gold star on their Florida license."

As of Dec. 29, 2022, 98% of Florida credentials were REAL ID compliant:

Nationwide, only approximately 52% of all U.S. driver licenses and ID cards were REAL ID-compliant as of Dec. 6, 2022, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Florida is a nationwide leader in the effort toward REAL ID compliance and was one of the first states to begin issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials. Since Jan. 1, 2010, any credential issued at an office in Florida has the gold star – the symbol indicating that it is REAL ID-compliant. In addition, every credential holder in Florida under the age of 21 is REAL ID-compliant.

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

If you are not yet REAL ID-compliant, resolve to do so this year by visiting your local office and checking FLHSMV’s “What to Bring” webpage for a list of required documents to bring during your visit.