REAL ID in New York: what you need to know about the new ID and how much it costs

Beginning October 1 on 2021, the federal government will require that a driver’s license or other identification card comply with the REAL ID Act. These requirements apply if you want to use your ID card to board your domestic flight (within the United States) or to enter military bases and some federal agencies.

An Enhanced driver license (EDL) in New York and a valid US passport is already REAL ID Act compliant and can be used to board an aircraft.

REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets the minimum security standards for issuing a driver’s license and other identification cards. The law also prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting documents that do not meet these standards.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing REAL ID 30 October 2017 IDs.

You can get a REAL ID at any time, but you will need to go to the DMV office. You cannot order a REAL ID online, by phone, or by mail.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must bring the following documents (originals or certified copies) to the DMV office:

• Identificationsuch as a valid driver's license, birth certificate or passport, including your full name, patronymic (if applicable) and last name.
• Social Security Number (SSN) or a document confirming that the applicant, for legal reasons, cannot have a social security number. If you have a valid New York State driver's license or ID, you must bring your original Social Security card or W-2 with a full SSN. If you do not have a New York State driver's license or ID, you must bring your Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that you are not eligible for a Social Security number. If you have lost your Social Security card, you must obtain a duplicate before going to the DMV.
• Document confirming your date of birth.
• Proof of US citizenship, legal permanent residence, or temporary legal status in the United States.
• Two different proofs of New York State residencysuch as a utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage.
• If the name on your driver's license does not match the name on your other ID, SSN or immigration documents, then you will also need to bring a government or court issued document confirming the fact of name change (marriage or divorce certificate, adoption documents, etc.).
• The application process also requires that DMV take your new photo.

Cost REAL ID

Obtaining a REAL ID does not entail any additional costs. All standard service fees apply.

There is a $ 30 fee if you want to apply for an Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID Card.

Here's what New York Real ID Act IDs look like

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional, but recommended

If you decide you do not want to receive a REAL ID, please be aware that any driver's license or ID issued in New York after October 30, 2017 will be marked as Not For Federal Purposes.

If you have a US passport, you can use it for identification, boarding an airplane for domestic and international flights, and entering a federal building or military base.

Before 18 years

The TSA does not currently require children under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling with an accompanying person in the United States.