Confused about what a Real ID is and whether you have one? Here's what you need to know.

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
Updated ·3 min read

Naval Air Station Pensacola is now open to the public, but with stricter access restrictions than residents might be used to. One of the most important changes is that visitors must have a Real ID or passport.

The restriction confused some attempting to come onboard NAS Pensacola Wednesday when the base opened to the public for the first time in more than three years.

Here’s what you need to know about the Real ID Act, how to tell if you have one and how to get one if you don’t.

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What is a Real ID in Florida?

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government create a set of standards for the “issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

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

What is the cost of a Real ID in Florida?

The cost of a Real ID in Florida is $25, the same fee for an ID card. Most tax collector offices charge a $6.25 service fee, too.

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Real ID requirements

Real IDs in Florida can be issued to first-time customers at a local driver's license service center or tax collector officer near them. Locations can be found here.

You’ll need to bring the same documents you would a regular ID card:

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.

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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.

  • Two documents that show your principal residence

Real ID enforcement deadline

The Department of Homeland Security released an outline that detailed a four-phase deadline for who needs to obtain a Real ID and when. The deadline to board flights was delayed in December 2022 to May 7, 2025.

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What do I need Read ID for?

  • Accessing certain federal facilities

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft

  • Entering nuclear power plants

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: What is the Real ID Act? Requirements for Florida citizens, immigrants