STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Americans will not be able to use traditional state-issued identification cards for federal purposes, including domestic flights, starting May 7.
Documents meeting federal Real ID standards, including passports, will be needed to board any flights in the U.S., including domestic destinations.
One such document available in New York is called an “Enhanced ID.” It costs $30 and meets Real ID standards while allowing holders to enter the country by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean without a U.S. passport.
Travel to those countries will still require use of U.S. passport, which also meets Real ID standards. Standard transaction fees also apply for upgrading to Real ID, according to the state DMV.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation for the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The law and subsequent regulations established minimum security standards for licenses and other ID cards, while prohibiting federal agencies from accepting noncompliant cards for certain official purposes, including the boarding of commercial aircraft.
After years of delayed implementation, beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older who plan to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, including a passport.
Compliant state IDs can be obtained at the any New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, but people hoping to update their documentation will need to collect some paperwork first.
The DMV lists the following documents needed to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced ID:
- Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
- Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you have a valid N.Y. license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original Social Security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you do not have a New York state driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number.
- Proof of your date of birth.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the United States.
- Two different proofs of New York State residence, such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (a P.O. Box not acceptable).
- If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your proof of identity, lawful status and Social Security, you must bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change(s), such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption, or court-order document.
For more information on obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced ID, visit the DMV website.
Both the Real ID and Enhanced ID will allow travelers to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings.
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