Applying for a Real ID: Here are 3 simple steps to get one

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you still haven’t transitioned from a standard identification card to a Real ID, now is the time to make the switch.

Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require those boarding domestic flights to carry a driver’s license or other state-issued identification card that is Real ID compliant.

The deadline for Real ID requirements on domestic air travel was initially set for Oct. 1, 2020, but has been delayed multiple times in recent years due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Now, more than three and half years after the initial deadline, Americans can still board domestic flights with their standard IDs, but that will change in less than 10 months, meaning frequent fliers should make the switch soon.

Those who wish to obtain a Real ID must go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, as you cannot get a Real ID online, by phone or through mail.

Thankfully, the process of applying for and receiving a Real ID in New York is fairly quick, as long as you follow these simple steps.

CHOOSE WHICH TYPE OF REAL ID YOU WANT

The New York State DMV offers residents two options: a standard Real ID or an Enhanced ID.

Both the Real ID and Enhanced ID will allow travelers to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings.

However, Enhanced ID’s will also allow residents to cross United States land and sea borders from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, without the need for a passport.

Enhanced ID’s do not authorize air travel between these countries, strictly land and sea travel. Passports are still required for all international flights.

Real ID’s are marked with a star logo in the top-right corner, with Enhanced ID’s featuring a banner that reads “Enhanced,” along with an American flag in the bottom-right corner.

Standard ID cards, which are still valid for all other purposes outside of domestic flights and entering federal buildings, now feature the phrase “Not For Federal Purposes” in the top-right corner.

GATHER THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

New Yorkers will need to gather the following documents and bring them to their local DMV office when applying for a Real 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.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL DMV OFFICE

As all Real ID transactions must be completed in-person, New Yorkers will need to visit their local DMV office to apply for their new identification cards.

While reservations are not required to apply for a Real ID, residents are urged to make one, which can be done on the DMV website.

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“We strongly encourage making a reservation. If an office is experiencing long wait times when you arrive, ONLY those with a reservation will be permitted to enter,” according to the DMV website.

Upon arrival, residents will need to complete some forms, hand over their required documents and may be required to take a new ID photo, depending on when their most recent photo was taken.

Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive your new Real ID in the mail in approximately two weeks.

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