In six months, all New Yorkers boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities will be required to present federally approved identification, such as the “Real ID”, Enhanced ID, or a passport.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website has long provided guidelines on obtaining these necessary identification documents for the future. According to the DMV website, if your New York state driver’s license or identification card does not have symbols like a “star” or the “American flag”, it means you do not yet possess a “Real ID”.
A “Real ID” refers to a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or nondriver identification issued by the DMV that complies with federal regulations. Starting from May 2025, individuals will need to use a Real ID when boarding domestic flights (within the U.S.) or entering certain federal buildings, unless they possess a valid passport.
In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act, establishing minimum security standards for driver’s licenses, permits, and identification cards issued by states. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes.
However, the following scenarios do not require a “Real ID”: (1) taking a driver’s test; (2) voting; (3) entering federal facilities that do not require verified identification; (4) applying for federal benefits; (5) receiving medical services; (6) participating in law enforcement procedures or investigations.
According to the DMV, as of May this year, two-thirds of New Yorkers still need to comply with the new federal regulations by obtaining the Real ID. The DMV encourages residents to take action early to avoid last-minute congestion before the deadline of May 7 next year.
So, how can you replace your identification documents? Detailed instructions are available on the DMV website. New Yorkers can visit a DMV office with documents containing their real name, social security number, and proof of state residency to obtain a Real ID.
As the deadline approaches, the DMV has deployed mobile teams across the state, including high-traffic areas such as airports, state parks, and libraries, to assist in reducing the burden on local DMV offices. These mobile processing teams do not require appointments, while appointments are needed for DMV offices.
For undocumented immigrants, although they cannot apply for a Real ID, they can still travel and enter federal buildings using other TSA-approved identification documents such as a passport or a transit card.
For details on obtaining a Real ID, please visit: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id