There is a short amount of time left until the deadline to obtain a REAL ID. Beginning on May 7, 2025, residents of New York will be required to provide a REAL ID or another form of identification that has been approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.
In order to minimize delays, it is crucial that you are aware of the documents you need to bring with you if you have not yet upgraded your license.
What kinds of documentation are need to obtain a REAL ID?
Bring the following items with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area in order to apply for a REAL ID:
- For example, a valid United States passport or a certified birth certificate can serve as evidence of the entire legal name.
- Validation of the date of birth
- Identification with a Social Security number (or, if applicable, proof demonstrating ineligibility)
- Two documents that demonstrate that you are a resident of New York State (such as a utility bill, a bank account, or a lease)
- One must provide evidence of their legal status in the United States, such as a passport, a permanent residency card, or a visa.
Note: The documents that you bring with you must be either the originals or certified copies, and any item that was issued more than a year before your visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles may not be accepted. You can find a comprehensive list of documents and combinations that are acceptable by going to dmv.ny.gov.
Why is it necessary for you to have a REAL ID?
For the purpose of establishing federal security requirements for identification, the REAL ID Act was enacted in the year 2005.
The following activities will require a REAL ID beginning on May 7, 2025:
- If you are flying within the United States, you are permitted to enter certain federal facilities or military bases.
If you already possess a passport or an upgraded license, what are your options?
This means that you do not require a REAL ID if you currently possess a valid:
- America’s passport
- A driver’s license or identification card that has been upgraded to include the ability to traverse land and water borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
- Other TSA-approved ID, such as a DHS Trusted Traveler card or military ID
Read Also: Want Bigger Social Security Checks? Here’s What You Need to Know
Instructions on how to apply?
Pay a personal visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in your surrounding area. It will take around two weeks for your REAL ID to come in the mail after your application has been approved fully.
There is no additional expense for a REAL ID that is in addition to the cost of renewing your license or identification card.
Methods for identifying it
On REAL IDs, there is a circle that is black in color and a star that is white in the upper right corner. Instead, enhanced licenses display a symbol of the United States flag.
Visit dmv.ny.gov to learn more about the application process, necessary documents, and frequently asked questions about REAL ID.
