For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264
Department of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID Deadline
Tampa, FL — April 29, 2021
Americans get more time to update their Driver Licenses for domestic air travel
Tampa, FL— April 28, 2021 — Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has significantly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity.
“This extension not only helps Americans by giving them more time to gather the additional required documents, but it also helps the tax collector offices across the country who were already on limited capacity due to the pandemic and who were seeing an influx of taxpayers coming in to meet the previous deadline of October 1,” says Nancy C. Millan. “Fortunately, in Hillsborough County we are at 94% compliance which is higher than the national average of around 40%,” she continued.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.
To apply for a REAL ID card, you must provide documentation that includes your date of birth and full name, such as an unexpired U.S. passport, a copy of a birth certificate, or an unexpired permanent resident card. You must also provide a document that shows your full name and Social Security number (though it is possible to get a REAL ID even if you are ineligible for a Social Security number), and any name change documentation (marriage certificate, court orders, etc.). Finally, you must provide two printed documents that show that you live in Florida, such as a rental or lease agreement, a home utility bill or employment documents. Learn more about REAL IDs and the documents required here https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/ .