A standard license or non-driver ID card will no longer be accepted to fly within the U.S. next year.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is urging residents to get a REAL ID before the May 3, 2023 federal deadline to avoid the last-minute rush for IDs next spring.
“If you wait to get the REAL ID closer to the deadline it’s going to get packed… It’s stressful for the customer, and for the staff here,” said Chemung County DMV Supervisor Janice Farwell, according to WETM. “Less time in the DMV is always good right?”
REAL ID sample provided by NYS DMV.
REAL ID or Enhanced ID: What’s the difference?
Opting for a REAL ID to replace your standard driver’s license or non-driver ID card will ensure you can board domestic flights. A passport is also acceptable as a REAL-ID compliant document.
An Enhanced ID costs $30 extra and allows you to use your ID to cross the U.S. border coming by land or sea from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. It is also valid for domestic flights.
NYS DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder said an Enhanced ID would be especially useful to upstate New Yorkers crossing the Canadian border.
Enhanced ID sample provided by NYS DMV.
Related: New York DMV releases new driver’s licenses, ID cards
How to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID
Visit this webpage to reserve an appointment at your local DMV office. You can use the DMV’s Document Guide to determine which documentation you need to bring to your appointment.
The DMV also provides tips on how to avoid the five most common mistakes when applying for a REAL ID, which you can find here.
Related: NY Gov. Hochul announces DMV recovery of $1.65M for consumers
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