Attention Green Card holders! Will Real ID be required in Miami starting May 7?

With a Real ID deadline looming, U.S. travelers, along with lawful immigrants who carry a Green Card, need to understand and prepare for changes that will have an impact on future travel, especially to airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement its new Real ID requirements May 7, 2025. After this date, the TSA will only permit travelers to clear security checkpoints with an acceptable form of identification.

For Green Card holders, acquiring a Real IF-compliant identification, although it will not be required, may be advantageous to have for travel purposes. The Real ID standard requires states to develop a state-issued ID and driver's license that meets the Real ID expectation; however, lawful immigrants that want one issued on Florida, can.

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Will Real ID be mandatory in Miami on May 7?

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will cease to accept state-issued IDs or driver's licenses that are not compliant with federal requirements at airport security checkpoints.

Miami, one of Florida's top travel destinations that sees thousands of travelers each month, residents and visitors alike need to be prepared for this federal law that requires a compliant form ID-like the Real ID-for the purposes of flight boarding.

The TSA has advised that passengers providing an ID that does not meet Real ID standard or similar approved documentation such as a passport may face delays, possible additional screening, or be denied boarding.

Florida follows the Real ID law, and all state-issued licenses should be accepted across the country. Florida began issuing Real ID's in January 2010, and Real ID's can be identified by a gold star located in the upper right corner.

Will Real ID be required for immigrants with Green Cards?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explains that non-citizens eligible for a Real ID include:

• Legally admitted permanent residents (Green Card holders) or temporary residents.
• Those with conditional permanent resident status.
• Non-citizens with approved asylum status.
• Individuals who entered the U.S. as refugees.

For Green Card holders, obtaining a Real ID-compliant state ID or driver's license will not be mandatory. However, immigrants who wish to do so can apply for a Real ID-compliant ID in Florida.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) allows non-citizens to present a valid, unexpired permanent resident card to apply for a state-issued driver's license, along with their Social Security card or proof of their number, and two documents proving residency in the state.

What other documents are acceptable for air travel?

The TSA states that all airline passengers over 18 years of age must present a Real ID or another valid form of identification. The agency accepts the following documents at U.S. airports:

• State-issued driver's licenses or other photo IDs from the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
• Enhanced driver's licenses issued by the state.
• U.S. passport.
• U.S. passport card.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• Permanent resident card (Green Card).
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Authorization Card.
• Passport issued by a foreign government.
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including those issued to dependents.
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/tribe, including enhanced tribal cards (ETC).
• Canadian provincial driver's license or card from Canadian Indigenous Affairs and Northern Canada.
• Transportation worker identification card.
• U.S. Merchant Mariner credential.
• Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).

The agency warns that the list of accepted IDs is subject to change without notice and recommends that travelers check the list before arriving at the airport.