State Department of Motor Vehicles officials joined the representatives of the Transportation Security Administration Monday at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport to encourage New Yorkers to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID before the upcoming federal deadline on May 7. Starting then, everyone flying in the US will need a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, Passport or another form of federally compliant identification to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities.
“Time is running out to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, and you do not want to get stuck at airport security if you are not prepared,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “The time is now to get this taken care of so you are not scrambling at the last minute.”
New Yorkers are encouraged to visit a DMV office as soon as possible to get a REAL ID even if their license, permit, or non-driver ID is not yet due for renewal. There is no additional cost beyond the renewal fee to get a REAL ID.
In addition to Monday’s event, DMV and TSA officials will visit the Syracuse Hancock International Airport on Tuesday.. Additional visits to other state airports are planned leading up to the final deadline.
Sen. Jeremy Cooney, chair of the state senate Committee on Transportation said, “The REAL ID deadline is coming quickly! Happy to join our partners at the DMV to spread awareness and remind everyone to upgrade their license so they can continue utilizing our Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and not run into any issues flying domestically.”
Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, chair of the state assembly Committee on Transportation, added, “I encourage all New Yorkers to act now in obtaining REAL ID or an Enhanced ID for domestic flights. I applaud the DMV for urging New Yorkers to become prepared for this imminent change. Acting now, and reminding others to act now, means that New Yorkers will be better prepared for upcoming travel plans.”
Passed by Congress in 2005, the federal REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards. It also requires customers to bring certain documents to the DMV to prove who they are and to have a new photograph taken before their REAL ID can be issued.
Many DMV offices strongly encourage customers to make a reservation, which can be done online. To assist New Yorkers, the DMV has implemented several online tools such as a document guide and an online application pre-screening process to help them prepare.
DMV has also issued guidance to help customers avoid the top five most common mistakes people make when seeking to get a REAL ID. One of the important reminders is to provide documentation if your name has changed.
In addition to the REAL ID, the DMV offers an Enhanced ID which meets federal REAL ID standards. An Enhanced ID costs $30 extra and can be used as identification when returning to the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. A passport is also acceptable as a REAL ID-compliant document.
For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, visit Enhanced or REAL ID and watch DMV’s REAL ID instructional video on YouTube.