Get the gold before May 7, 2025!
*States have adopted various versions of a star to signify that a state-issued ID is REAL ID-compliant. Florida has adopted a gold star.
What does the gold star on your ID mean?
The gold star on Florida state-issued identification cards (IDs) means they are REAL ID-compliant.
Some states, like Florida, only provide REAL ID-compliant IDs.
A REAL ID-compliant ID card is proof that you have provided the required documentation to prove your identity established by the REAL ID Act, in 2005.
These will be the only accepted state ID cards to access certain federal facilities or board most flights, beginning May 7, 2025.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID-compliant ID?
You likely know if you have been issued a REAL ID-compliant ID if you have provided the required documentation to a Florida DMV office:
- Proof of Lawful Status – US birth certificate, US passport, or valid immigration document
- Proof of Social Security Number – social security card, W-2, 1099, or self-certification provided by the DMV
- Two Proofs of Address – bill, lease, mail, etc. that are under 30 days old
- Proof of name change, if applicable
Back to the gold star
In Florida, REAL ID-compliant IDs have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/real-id/
If your ID does not have a gold star, you are not REAL ID-compliant. The REAL ID Act will be enforced in every state starting on May 7, 2025. This means that if you plan on flying on or after May 7, 2025, you must have a valid REAL ID-compliant ID card or passport to pass through security (TSA).
You must present the required documentation in-person to obtain a gold star for the first time. The typical cost for a driver’s license is about $48, and a Florida ID is $25. Additional service charges or fees may be applied.
Why the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in order to enhance US security and reduce terrorism and identify fraud by setting standards for obtaining proof of identity documentation. Each state enforces the Act differently. If you obtained a star in one state and relocated to a different state, you must present your identification documents again. If you do not have the documents needed to become REAL ID-compliant, you cannot get an ID in Florida.
IDignity can help you get a REAL ID-compliant Florida ID
IDignity helps Florida US citizens and legal residents obtain REAL ID-compliant ID cards. We do not charge for our services. If you do not have all the required documents to get a gold star, like your birth certificate or social security card, we can try to help you obtain them. To learn more about our Identification Service Days or to make an appointment, call us at 407-792-1374, or fill out a Service Request Form.
References
Bridges, C. A. (2024, January, 24). When do Real ID driver’s licenses go into effect? What you’ll need in Florida for air travel. The Daytona Beach News-Journal. https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/state/2024/01/24/real-id-compliant-florida-drivers-licenses-ids-required-air-travel/72335336007/
IDignity staff, personal communication, February 23, 2024.
Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning. (n.d.). Document Requirements. Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning https://leetc.com/drivers-licenses/document-requirements/
Shelton, N. (2023, January, 30). Get Ready for REAL ID and Other Orlando Travel Requirements. Visit Orlando. https://www.visitorlando.com/blog/post/orlando-travel-requirements/
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). (n.d.)/ Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint. TSA.gov. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification