Real ID Compliant Now Necessary to Secure Florida Hardship Licenses

Florida Hardship License Law Requires You to First Become “Real ID” Compliant

Although Florida began issuing “Real ID” driver’s licenses after January 1st, 2010, “Real ID” drivers licenses did not take on any significance until after July 1st, 2013. That is when a “Real ID” driver’s license became a mandatory prerequisite for those persons seeking to benefit from a new Florida Hardship License law that enables first time DUI offenders to avoid any interruption of their driving privileges. See our article: “New Florida Hardship License Law for First Time DUI-Uninterrupted Driving.”

The lawyers in our office routinely represent persons charged in Pinellas county with DUI. In this regard, we often assist our clients to become Real ID compliant so that we can help them qualify for an immediate hardship license and keep them driving.

Why Does Florida Have “Real ID” Driver’s Licenses?

The Federal Real ID Act went into effect on May 11th, 2008 for the purpose of improving the integrity of individual state issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. The underlying spirit of this federal legislation was to reduce identity fraud and to help the fight against terrorism. Because a “national” form of identification does not exist in the United States, “Real ID” Driver’s Licenses have become a de facto form of a nationalized system of “secure” identification.

Is My Current Florida Driver’s License “Real ID” Compliant?

It is easy to determine if your drivers license is “Real ID” compliant. Simply look for a gold star in the upper right hand corner. The star symbol is said to represent “Secure, Trusted And Reliable.” You will note that Joseph Sample’s license (See Image above) displays a gold star, proving that he has met the federal requirements to qualify for this designation. Click here to read our article on how to secure a “Real ID” compliant Florida Driver’s License. You can read about other hidden data on your driver’s license in our article “Getting Arrested for Violation of a Florida Driver’s License Restriction.”

“Real ID” To Be Required at all Domestic Airports

Air travelers born after December 1st, 1964 will be required to present a STAR ID or U.S. passport for all flights as of December 1st, 2014;
Air travelers born before December 1st, 1964 will be required to present a STAR ID or U.S. passport for all flights as of December 1st, 2017

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