Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, all US state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that travelers wishing to fly domestically within the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card, or US military ID. New York residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID, an enhanced ID, or to stick with a standard driver's license. However, a standard credential without the star or flag will not be valid for domestic air travel or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I still use my NYS ID at the airport? | Yes, but only until May 7, 2025. After that, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID is required. |
| REAL ID-compliant license | A REAL ID or an enhanced ID. |
| REAL ID cost | The same as a standard New York State license. |
| Enhanced ID cost | $30 extra. |
| REAL ID application requirements | Two proofs of New York State residency. |
| Acceptable proofs of residency | A New York State license, a recent bank statement, a recent pay stub, a utility bill, a credit card statement, or a pay stub (all showing your current New York State address). |
| REAL ID processing locations | Main or satellite office locations of the local DMV. |
| REAL ID processing time | Not mentioned. |
| Other acceptable forms of ID | A valid passport, a federal government PIV card, a U.S. military ID, a DHS trusted traveler card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, an Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC), etc. |
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What You'll Learn
The REAL ID Act of 2005
The REAL ID Act also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. This means that, as of May 7, 2025, individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID, to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
The REAL ID Act also includes provisions related to asylum cases and credibility determinations. It states that there is no presumption of credibility and that proof requirements and credibility determinations in asylum proceedings are applicable to other requests for relief from removal. It also limits judicial review of determinations regarding the availability of corroborating evidence.
New York residents have three options from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles: they can obtain an enhanced ID, a REAL ID, or a standard ID. The enhanced ID and REAL ID are both REAL ID-compliant, but the standard driver's license is not and will not be accepted for domestic air travel or access to secure federal facilities. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals will need to visit their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove their identity and residency.
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NYS ID options
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID to enter the checkpoint at US airports. This federal requirement, established by the REAL ID Act of 2005, aims to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver's licenses and identification cards to inhibit terrorist activity.
New York State residents have three ID options: a REAL ID, an Enhanced ID, or a Standard ID. The Enhanced ID and REAL ID are both REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. The Standard ID, marked as "Not for Federal Purposes," is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, New York residents must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and bring specific documents, such as proof of U.S. residency. The NYS DMV provides an interactive document guide to help individuals determine the required documents and offers the option to print the list. The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a standard New York State license, while an Enhanced ID incurs an additional $30 fee.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. The TSA recommends checking their website or with your state's DMV before traveling to ensure you have the proper identification. Additionally, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses
As of May 2025, all US state and territory residents must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial aircraft. This is due to the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was passed by Congress to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star marking in the upper right corner. If your card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity for air travel.
New York State offers its residents three options: an enhanced ID, a REAL ID, or a standard ID. Both the enhanced ID and REAL ID are REAL ID-compliant, whereas the standard driver's license is not. An enhanced ID can be used instead of a passport to return to the US. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals will need to visit their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove their identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport.
It is important to note that a REAL ID card cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico, international travel, or international sea cruise travel. For these purposes, an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, is required.
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Other acceptable forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID will be required at TSA checkpoints. This is due to a federal law, the REAL ID Act of 2005, that mandates the use of REAL IDs for federal identification purposes.
Passport
A passport is a widely accepted form of identification for air travel. It is considered a valid alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID. It is required for international travel and can also be used for domestic flights.
Enhanced Driver's License
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that provides proof of identity and US citizenship. While standard driver's licenses may not be accepted at TSA checkpoints, the Enhanced version is specifically designed to meet federal REAL ID requirements and can be used for cross-border land and sea travel to specific countries.
U.S. Military ID
Active-duty or retired military personnel, their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians can use their U.S. Military IDs as a valid form of identification at airports.
Federal Government PIV Card
A Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card is a secure identification card issued by the federal government to its employees and contractors. It is an acceptable form of ID for air travel and meets the requirements of the REAL ID Act.
State-Issued REAL ID
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can obtain a state-issued REAL ID through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This ID is specifically designed to meet the security standards and anti-counterfeiting measures outlined in the REAL ID Act.
It is important to note that some common forms of ID, such as school IDs, workplace IDs, and library cards, are not considered acceptable forms of identification at TSA checkpoints. Additionally, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date for the approved forms of identification.
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Identity verification
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID will be mandatory for air travel. This is due to a federal law, the REAL ID Act of 2005, which mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, including incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology and using documentary evidence to ensure a person is who they claim to be.
A New York State REAL ID license has a star on it, and a New York State enhanced license has a flag. Both are REAL ID-compliant. To get a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals will need to visit their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove their identity and residency, such as a recent bank statement or pay stub showing their New York State address. The NYS DMV has created an interactive document guide to help customers determine which documents they need to bring.
If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Other acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, federal government PIV card, U.S. military ID, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If you do not have acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and will not be permitted to fly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport, to fly within the US.
A NYS REAL ID license has a star on it, while a NYS enhanced license has a flag. Both are REAL ID-compliant.
You can get a REAL ID-compliant license by visiting your local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bringing certain documents, such as a recent bank statement or a recent pay stub, to prove your identity and residency.
