Implementation of REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025

  • Published
  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  

Starting MAY 7, 2025, to board domestic flights and access certain federal and DOD facilities, your driver’s license or state issued ID must be a REAL ID — or you’ll need another acceptable form of identification. REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state issued ID cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not a REAL ID and will not be accepted to board commercial aircraft or access certain federal and DOD facilities. For a complete list of TSA acceptable identifications*, go to tsa.gov/id. (Graphic by the Department of Homeland Security)

Starting MAY 7, 2025, to board domestic flights and access certain federal and DOD facilities, your driver’s license or state issued ID must be a REAL ID — or you’ll need another acceptable form of identification. REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state issued ID cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not a REAL ID and will not be accepted to board commercial aircraft or access certain federal and DOD facilities. For a complete list of TSA acceptable identifications*, go to tsa.gov/id. (Graphic by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
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Implementation of the REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025. Anyone 18 years or older who plans to visit MacDill Air Force Base will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents, making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fake IDs.

Starting May 7, 2025, visitors requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or must present a second form of identification along with their non-REAL ID-compliant identification (Driver’s License).

Acceptable forms of secondary identification include:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card)
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
  • Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security

This applies to everyone, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Vendors
  • Dependents aged 18 and older
  • Service Providers
  • Veterans with service-connected disabilities
  • Contractors
  • Visitors
  • Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share)
  • Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters
  • Au Pairs, Child Care Providers

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity. 

A graphic created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their Real ID public awareness campaign, as part of their integrated efforts to improve the security of the country. Achieving REAL ID readiness is a collective effort between federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners. (Graphic Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

A graphic created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their Real ID public awareness campaign, as part of their integrated efforts to improve the security of the country. Achieving REAL ID readiness is a collective effort between federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners. (Graphic Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency for instructions.

Note: The specific requirements for Florida are provided at the following website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/. It's best to check the website for the most up-to-date information. You can find a link to your state's DMV here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

For additional information and frequently asked questions, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id and https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

For base access information, contact the MacDill VCC (813) 828-2737, Ext. 4, located at the Dale Mabry Gate, 6801 South Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida.