What does the real id license look like

Driver Licenses & ID Cards

Countdown to May 3, 2023 REAL ID enforcement:

  • DAYS
  • HOURS
  • MINUTES
  • SECONDS

The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 sets new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and ID cards.

The REAL ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The new credentials have a star in the upper right corner of the card, as shown in the sample license example on the right. Florida is a REAL ID compliant state and all Florida licenses should be accepted nationwide.

What does the real id license look like
What does the real id license look like

The Department of Homeland Security announced on December 20, 2013, that enforcement of REAL ID credentials will begin in a measured, fair and responsible way. The chart below summarizes the four phases of enforcement.

PhaseLocationEnforcement Date
Phase 1 Restricted areas (i.e., areas accessible by agency personnel, contractors, and their guests) for DHS headquarters in Washington. April 21, 2014
Phase 2 Restricted areas for all Federal facilities and nuclear power plants. July 21, 2014
Phase 3 Semi-restricted areas (i.e., areas available to the general public but subject to ID-based access control) for most Federal facilities.
3a. Federal Security Levels 1 and 2 January 19, 2015
3b. Federal Security Levels 3, 4, and 5, and military facilities October 10, 2015
Phase 4 Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. A driver's license or ID card from a noncompliant state may only be used in conjunction with a second form of ID for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. May 3, 2023

REAL ID News & Updates

  • March 26, 2020: Department of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID Enforcement Deadline

REAL ID Act – Frequently Asked Questions

  • REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and ID cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.

  • Yes, Florida began issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards on January 4, 2010.

  • Customers must visit an office to become REAL ID compliant for the first time. Visit www.flhsmv.gov/locations to find a driver license service center or tax collector office near you. We recommend making an appointment prior to your office visit.

  • You will need to bring one of the following primary documents to establish your identity, proof of legal residence and date of birth: For a detailed list of required items, Visit our What to Bring page.

    For U.S. Citizens:

    • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
    • Original or Certified copy of a birth certificate
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
    • Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • For cases where the current name and the name on the primary identity document are different, you should also bring:
      • Court ordered name change document
      • Marriage certificate, issued by the courts and/or
      • Divorce decree, issued by the courts

    In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name. For more detailed information on the required identity documents, visit our What to Bring page.

    For Non-Citizens:

    • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card – I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents
    • Valid Passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees
    • Other government issued document showing your full name
    • Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence
    • If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) documents.

    Both Citizens and Non-Citizens will need to bring:

    • Your Social Security Card or proof of your social security number.
      • A list of documents that provide proof of the social security number can be found on our What to Bring page.
    • Two documents that show your principal residence
      • A list of these kinds of documents can be found on our What to Bring page

  • Beginning January 2, 2020, customers who are not Real ID compliant will be unable to renew or replace credentials through MyDMV Portal.

  • No, the final Rule specifies that each individual can only hold a REAL ID driver license or a REAL ID ID card, but not both simultaneously. If you currently hold both, one will be cancelled during your next card issuance.

  • Yes, a Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the card’s expiration date.

How do I know if I have a REAL ID Indiana?

A Real ID is indicated by the star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver's license, permit, or state identification card.

What does the Michigan REAL ID look like?

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card will have a star in a gold circle printed in the upper right corner of the card. Enhanced licenses and state ID cards that do not have a star on them are still REAL ID compliant and will be printed with a star when renewed or replaced.

What does a REAL ID look like in Tennessee?

REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a gold circle with a star in the right corner of the license to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. Non-REAL ID driver licenses and identification credentials display the phrase, "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES" on the front of the credential.

What does Pennsylvania REAL ID look like?

WHAT DOES A REAL ID LOOK LIKE? Because REAL IDs use the same security features as standard-issued Pennsylvania IDs, they will look very similar to the redesigned licenses issued in 2017. A Pennsylvania REAL ID-compliant product is identifiable by a gold circle with a transparent star inside it.