Navigating REAL ID and Travel Requirements for Your Orlando Trip
See what you need to know about the new REAL ID requirements if you’re flying to Orlando starting May 3, 2023.
Live in the U.S.? Planning a flight to Orlando on or after May 3, 2023? First, do you have a REAL ID‑compliant ID?
If you answer 'no' (or even 'What is REAL ID?'), you don’t have to cancel your trip – you just need to obtain a compliant ID before you depart. The process is straightforward, and we’ve compiled a guide to help you meet the requirements without delay. A REAL ID won’t change our commitment to making your Orlando adventure unforgettable.
Feel confident from the moment you arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the moment you leave, thanks to enhanced health and safety measures at every step: ground transportation, resorts, restaurants, theme parks, attractions, and more. We remain Orlando’s premier healthy travel destination. Don’t let a missing REAL ID derail your plans!
Please note: Depending on your visit date, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy travel and what’s open in Orlando, and check with your favorite attractions for their current status.
REAL ID Requirements for Domestic Air Travel to Orlando
Starting May 3, 2023, the REAL ID Act requires that U.S. travelers aged 18 and older possess a REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license or an acceptable alternative (U.S. passport, or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington) to fly on commercial aircraft.
In other words: Without a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, you cannot access TSA security checkpoints or board your flight. Children under 18 are exempt, provided they travel with an adult who has acceptable ID.
To verify if your state ID is REAL ID‑compliant, look for the distinctive markings: a gold star, a black star, a gold circle with a white star, a black circle with a white star, or (in California only) a gold bear with a white star. See an image of these markings here; refer to the answer for 'How do I know if my license or ID is REAL ID compliant?'.
Not yet in possession of a REAL ID? We can help you get one.
How to Get REAL ID‑Compliant Identification
By May 3, 2023, all U.S. states and territories will issue REAL ID‑compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. As of September 5, 2019, 50 states and territories were already compliant, but some residents may still need time to obtain a new card before the deadline.
Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles website to see if your state offers a REAL ID and to find out how to apply. You’ll need to provide proof of full legal name and date of birth (e.g., a birth certificate), your Social Security number, two proofs of principal residence, and proof of lawful U.S. status.
If your state’s REAL ID program isn’t available in time, don’t panic: a valid U.S. passport will also satisfy the requirement. If you don’t yet have a passport, start the application process early.
U.S. Entry Requirements for International Visitors
Travelers from outside the U.S. need a passport to visit Orlando. Depending on your country, you may also need a visa.
If you’re a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you can enter without a visa, provided you’ve obtained an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. Countries in the program include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, and many others.
Otherwise, you’ll need a non‑immigrant visa. For more information on how to obtain a visa and details about the Visa Waiver Program, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Let Your Adventures Begin
Once you have a REAL ID‑compliant ID or a passport, you’re ready to experience Orlando, the world’s leading tourism destination. Don’t miss discounted theme‑park and attraction tickets available through Visit Orlando. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the Theme Park Capital of the World!
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