This deadline will cancel over half of New Yorkers’ flights and it’s approaching fast! We all know the sooner you finalize your plans for the summer holiday, the better. We can already see the Bahamas packed with New Yorkers desperate to spruce up their tans and enjoy that warm, sunny weather. However, those who failed to apply for the new compulsory identification documents might have to kiss those stunning beaches with white sand and turquoise waters goodbye.
The deadline for applications will be here sooner than you think
You jetsetters might have noticed the REAL ID signs at airports nationwide. The goal is to remind as many people as possible that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID, will be compulsory for domestic flights within the US starting on May 7, 2025.
According to statements made by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and released by CBS News, “About 43% of people in New York state who have a photo ID are already Real ID-compliant.” That is a small drop into the bucket, considering its population of more than eight million people. That means 57%, or at least 4.5 million people, might run into trouble when they try to board a flight on or after the May 7 deadline.
This is why you will need a REAL ID
Is the Bahamas calling you? Well, before you can board an airplane for a domestic flight, you will soon be required to show your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. New Yorkers who do not have REAL ID-compliant licenses will be able to use another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight or gain entrance to most secure federal facilities or military bases.
According to John Essig, TSA’s Federal Security Director for airports in the New York City region, the federal government aims to improve the authority and validity of driver’s licenses and identification cards.
“The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.” – John Essig.
New Yorkers have two options:
- Upgrade to a REAL ID or an enhanced ID
- Stick with the former standard driver’s license
We strongly recommend upgrading, though. According to the Transportation Security Administration, a standard license does not have a star or flag, making it invalid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities.
You will be able to get your REAL ID this way
Hopefully, the numbers motivated you to wake up and begin efforts to get your REAL ID before the deadline. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, you can get a REAL ID or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL), which also has a star in the corner and covers the traveling requirements. Take note that the EDL is only available at the following locations:
- New York
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Vermont
- Washington
You must visit your state’s local DMV in person to apply for the identification documents. To avoid any unnecessary fuss, ensure you bring along the following information when applying:
- Valid ID or passport or birth certificate
- Proof of your Social Security number and date of birth
- Two items proving state residency
Confirmation is still awaited regarding the process if one shows up at the airport and doesn’t have a compliant ID or passport after the May 7 deadline. If it were us, though, we would not even risk the chance! You have less than a month left. In true New Yorker style, rather be fast-paced when applying to ensure you maintain your independence to travel. If not, the airports and federal facilities might reciprocate the style with a no-nonsense and direct approach foul attitude.