Why you need a gold star on your ID.* Learn about the REAL ID Act.

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

A BIG Win from Big Nova Foundation!

Big Nova Foundation Grants IDignity $1,000,000 for IDignity’s Operational Headquarters

Executive Director of Big Nova Foundation, Sarah Asma, pictured holding the IDignity sign

The wonderful Big Nova Foundation has granted IDignity an incredible gift of one million dollars towards its capital campaign for its first-ever operational headquarters. IDignity is honored and filled with gratitude for this remarkable contribution.

This inspiring foundation works to empower organizations like IDignity in Central Florida.

“The Big Nova Foundation is a family charitable foundation based in Sanford, FL. Our family owned a business in Central Florida for more than 50 years. Upon the sale of that business in 2023, we decided to renew our focus on our community by starting the foundation. Our family has lived and worked in Central Florida for multiple generations, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to give back. We empower organizations that protect our planet, uplift those in need, inspire change through research and strive to make our communities better. And our hope is to make Central Florida a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” – Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation

Thank you to all the amazing members of the Big Nova Foundation for helping IDignity continue to restore dignity and hope by providing identification through your support of the establishment of its first operational headquarters. With your generous gift, you are helping ensure the lasting impact of IDignity’s mission on the community for years to come. Thank you, Big Nova Foundation!

Be sure to follow them on their social media channels linked below!

Big Nova Foundation Facebook

Big Nova Foundation LinkedIn

Big Nova Foundation Instagam

Volunteer Appreciation Event 2024

April is National Volunteer Month, and to celebrate our outstanding volunteers, IDignity hosted a get-together at Azalea Lodge in Mead Botanical Gardens! We were able to share our love and gratitude for our volunteers’ dedication to IDignity’s mission, compassion, and generosity. Volunteers celebrated the night with good food, great company, and lots of laughs. Check out the photo gallery below!

Thank you to every single volunteer; you are the heart of IDignity!

AdventHealth surprises IDignity with 1 million dollar donation!

Santa’s Surprise for IDignity!

AdventHealth surprised IDignity with a generous donation of $1 million for IDignity’s first-ever permanent operations headquarters. Read the article and watch the clip HERE.

Thank you AdventHealth!