New York residents who like to travel have just over five months to get their Real ID to travel out of the state.
Officials with the state and counties have been working to get information out for those that may need this sort of ID. According to WENY News, they were at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport on Thursday morning.
Right now 15.8 million New York residents have a license. New York State DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder is encouraging those license holders to get a Real ID or an enhanced license.
The new rule goes into effect in May of 2023. Those flying domestically will need a Real ID or enhanced license to board a plane. The plan to start using these IDs started in 2005 as a way to make air travel safer following the 9/11 attacks. The Real ID was created under the federal commission as one of the new guidelines.
It’s best to fill out your paperwork ahead of time, according to Tompkins County Clerk Maureen Reynolds. Those in Tompkins County go right to her office to get a passport, which is also Real ID compliant. This could help people get proper ID faster since the lines at the DMV can be long.
Anyone who doesn’t get an ID that’s Real ID compliant by May 3, 2023 will not be able to board a flight.
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