The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Tuesday urged New Yorkers to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID now to avoid last-minute rush through 2023. This is because because a year from now, on May 3, 2023, the federal government will require a REAL ID or another federally accepted document such as an enhanced ID or passport to board a flight within the United States.
To help inform New Yorkers about the federal requirements for obtaining a REAL or Enhanced ID, the DMV also announced that it will be making staff available at airports across New York State beginning next week.
Information tables will be set up at Albany International Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Long Island MacArthur Airport during peak travel times.
“The time to get a REAL ID or enhanced ID is now, instead of waiting until the last minute,” said DMV Commissioner Mark JF Schroeder. “I encourage customers to visit our website, social media pages or talk to our airport staff to find out what they need to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID so they can be successful on their first visit to a DMV office. ”.
New Yorkers whose license or ID is up for renewal now can get a REAL ID at no additional cost to the renewal fee, and those looking to upgrade now when they don’t have a renewal pay an additional $12.50.
In addition to REAL ID, which is also required to enter some federal buildings, the DMV offers enhanced identification that meets federal REAL ID standards. An Enhanced ID costs an additional $30 and can be used as identification when returning to the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries.
A passport is also acceptable as a REAL ID compliant document.
As of May 3, 2023, a standard license or non-driver ID will not be accepted to fly within the US.
The federal REAL ID law requires customers who apply for a REAL ID to visit a DMV office to prove who they are and have a new photograph taken. Many DMV offices require customers to make a reservation, which is can do here.
Before going to the DMV, New Yorkers are advised to use the document guide to help determine what to bring to the office. The guide, which takes just a few minutes to complete, asks customers a series of short, simple questions to help them determine what proof of identification and residency they should bring. Only original documents or certified copies of certain documents will be accepted.
The DMV also issued guidance to help customers to avoid the 5 most common mistakes people make when looking to get a REAL ID. One of the important reminders is to provide documentation if your name has changed.
For more information about the DMV of the State of New York visit this website.
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