The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.”  

The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes non-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, both physical and digital (also known as Mobile Driver’s Licenses, or “mDLs”).

As of May 2025, U.S. travelers were required to be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Starting February 1, 2026, air travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID (like a valid passport) will be charged $45 to verify their identity through TSA Confirm.ID.

The easiest way to tell if you comply is to check whether you have a gold star
in the upper right corner of your Florida driver's license.

To see if you are REAL ID ready, and find out the process of compliance visit the TSA website

For more information on REAL ID  - download the postcard below