Identity Theft & Driver License Fraud Protection
Identity Theft & Driver License Fraud Protection
Identity Theft & Driver License Fraud Protection Language | Idioma English Español The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 set 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. During this time and through September 30, 2026, the credentials had a star in the upper right corner of the card, as shown in the sample license example on the right. On September 30, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing a newly designed Florida driver license and identification card that incorporates the Florida gator into the REAL ID star in the top righthand corner of all cards. Florida is a REAL ID compliant state, and all Florida licenses should be accepted nationwide. 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 1Restricted areas (i.e., areas accessible by agency personnel, contractors, and their guests) for DHS headquarters in Washington.April 21, 2014 Phase 2Restricted areas for all Federal facilities and nuclear power plants.July 21, 2014 Phase 3Semi-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 2January 19, 2015 3b. Federal Security Levels 3, 4, and 5, and military facilitiesOctober 10, 2015 Phase 4Boarding 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 7, 2025 REAL ID News & Updates March 26, 2020: Department of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID Enforcement Deadline REAL ID Act – Frequently Asked Questions