Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Contact: 
Tiffany Portzer
[email protected]

DMV ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO GET A ‘REAL ID’

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Finds New York State Fully Compliant with REAL ID Requirements 

Standard New York State License Will Not Be Accepted for Domestic Air Travel After October 1, 2020 Without Additional Documentation

Federal REAL ID Requirements and Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a REAL ID Available at dmv.ny.gov/REALID 

Watch Our New REAL ID Video at YouTube

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today reminded New Yorkers that REAL ID is now available at DMV offices across New York State. New Yorkers wishing to fly within the U.S. using their NYS issued license or ID card will need a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License (EDL) after the October 1, 2020 federal deadline.

DMV is again encouraging New Yorkers to get REAL ID after the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today found New York to be in full compliance with the REAL ID Act and regulation.

Getting a REAL ID is just like getting a standard New York State license or non-driver ID. The cost is the same, but it requires applicants to make a trip to their local DMV office to get a photo taken and present the required proof documents. To ensure customers have all the proof needed before they visit their local office, DMV has created a handy tool that will walk customers through what they need to bring to the office. Find it at dmv.ny.gov/REALID. While on the DMV website, customers visiting select DMV offices may also make an appointment for the DMV visit. DMV encourages everyone who is renewing or obtaining a license or non-driver ID for the first time to get a REAL ID.

“If your license or non-driver ID is coming up for renewal, or you are getting one for the first time, we strongly encourage you to get a REAL ID," said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. "Our dedicated staff is ready to help New Yorkers understand the new federal requirements and get you on your way fast. Plus, we have created a new tool on the DMV website to make it easier for New Yorkers to be sure they have the proof required when they visit a DMV office."

The new REAL ID is being offered in accordance with the federal REAL ID Act, which requires residents to have a federally approved license, like a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License (EDL), to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings after October 1, 2020. Standard state licenses, which will now be marked Not for Federal Purposes, will no longer be accepted after the federal deadline without an additional form of identification, like a passport.

Per federal law, obtaining a REAL ID or EDL requires New Yorkers to present their identification and proof of residency in person at a DMV office. All official identification documents presented at a DMV office, like birth certificates and marriage licenses, must be an original or certified copy. Additionally, if the name on the applicant’s birth certificate does not match the name on other documents, the applicant will also be required to provide court- or government-issued proof of the name change, like a marriage license, divorce decree, court document, or adoption certificate.

DMV has created a step-by-step guide to help ensure applicants have the correct documents before visiting DMV. Learn more at dmv.ny.gov/REALID.

DMV also created a new video highlighting the differences between the new REAL ID, the Enhanced Driver License, and the traditional New York State license and non-driver ID. Watch the video at YouTube.

A full list of identification accepted for travel by the Transportation Security Administration can be found here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook  and Twitter.

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