REAL ID deadline is approaching fast. Here's what to know, how to apply in NY
- Starting May 7, 2025, people over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
- A REAL ID is not needed if you have another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a passport or enhanced license.
- New York residents can apply for a REAL ID at their local DMV office.
The deadline to get a Real ID is in early May.
New Yorkers will need to add a REAL ID seal to their state-issued identification card or driver’s license to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
The requirement was originally set to start in 2020 but was pushed back until May 2025 over "backlogged transactions" at Motor Vehicle Division offices nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic, USA TODAY reported.
If you're not sure how to get a Real ID, or you haven't gotten one yet, here's what you need to know about getting one in New York.
What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act, which was passed in 2005, "established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards," according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
When does REAL ID go into effect?
Travelers over the age of 18 wishing to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities will need to have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, according the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, unless you have another TSA-approved form of identification. Here are other TSA-approved alternatives:
- U.S. passport
- State-issued Enhanced driver's license
- DHS trusted traveler cards (GlobalEntry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Do you need a REAL ID seal if you have a passport?
No, you don't. Travelers with an up-to-date passport or any other TSA-approved form of identification do not need a REAL ID to travel domestically.
Do you need a REAL ID seal if you have an Enhanced license?
No, you don't. In New York, an Enhanced license, permit or non-driver ID is also acceptable. And unlike a REAL ID, an Enhanced license can be used to cross the U.S. border by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.
What happens if you don't have a REAL ID seal after May 7, 2025?
You won't be able to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities without a REAL ID seal, passport, Enhanced license or other TSA-approved form of identification.
How to apply for a REAL ID seal in NY
You'll need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to submit all of your necessary documentation. After applying, it will take about two weeks to receive your new REAL ID document in the mail.
Here's where to apply for REAL IDs in Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Tioga counties, according to the state DMV website.
DMVs in Broome County
- 81 Chenango St. in Binghamton.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- 137 Washington Ave. in Endicott.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
DMVs in Delaware County
- 3 Elm St. in Deposit.
- REAL ID transactions are offered by appointment only 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.
- 44 Grand St. in Sidney.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 8:30 a.m. to noon, 2-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- 1 Courthouse Square in Delhi.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 8:30 a.m. to noon, 2-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
DMVs in Chenango County
- 5 Court St. in Norwich.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
DMVs in Tioga County
- 56 Main St. in Owego.
- REAL ID transactions are offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
What documents are needed to apply for a REAL ID seal in NY?
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has a guide online you can fill out to find which specific documents you'll need to bring with you, which can be found by visiting dmv.ny.gov/.
At minimum, you'll need your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address at your principal residence and lawful status.
Proof of New York state residency can include a New York state license, permit or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, a recent pay stub and certain electronic documents if printed, including a utility bill, credit card statement or pay stub, the state DMV says. However, any documents issued more than one year before your office visit will not be accepted.
How much does REAL ID cost?
Outside of normal transaction fees, the REAL ID doesn't cost extra, the state DMV says.
What does NY's REAL ID seal look like?
In the top right corner on the front of your REAL ID, you'll see a black circle with a white star in the middle. Enhanced IDs have an American flag emblem in the top right corner.