Tick, tock — time is running out for New York drivers to obtain their REAL ID on their driver’s licenses. This mark, a small star or a U.S. flag, is placed on the corner of your ID. The deadline is approaching fast. By May 7, 2025, of the current year, all of those living in the state of New York need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification card or driver’s license.
What is the deal behind the REAL ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. The US Department of Homeland Security explained the REAL ID Act:
“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.”
Before this act was passed, each state would set its own standards for issuing IDs. Things were somewhat disorganized, there was no uniformity on a national level regarding the documentation and requirements for obtaining an ID. After the 9/11 attacks, the 9/11 Commission was set up, and they got to work to enhance security measures.
The Commission recommended that standards be set at a federal level when it came to the new form of identity documents. This led to the REAL ID Act, which forbids entry to certain government facilities and the boarding of domestic flights without a REAL ID-compliant credential. Today, to comply with the act, each state must follow the same requirements for identification documents, and that is why you need your REAL ID mark on the corner of your driver’s license.
What happens if I cannot get a REAL ID by May 7th?
If you don’t get the REAL ID, you won’t be granted entrance to some of the federal facilities, and you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. However, do not despair. If you cannot get your REAL ID by the deadline and you need to catch a flight, there is other TSA-approved documentation you can use.
What are the other TSA-approved documents I can use?
If you won’t be able to get your REAL ID by May 7, these are some of the TSA-approved documents that will get you past the airport security check:
- U.S. passport
- Enhanced driver’s license
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Veteran Health Identification Card
How do I get my Real ID?
You will need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles of New York State in person and provide all the documents. We recommend consulting the New York Department of Motor Vehicles website for the most up-to-date list of what you need to bring. Required documentation usually includes:
- One proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate)
- Two proofs of New York residency
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of legal presence (for non-U.S. citizens)
- Current driver’s license (if exchanging one issued by another U.S. state)
With the deadline hot on our heels, the DMV is willing to meet the New Yorkers who need to upgrade their license halfway. They will open extra hours to tackle the masses who have waited till the last minute to take care of this issue. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
We are just a few days away from the deadline of May 7 to get the REAL ID. The DMVs are rising to the challenge and have extended their opening hours. It is advisable that you take care of having your ID upgraded as soon as possible, especially if you need to enter or if you work at a government facility.
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