Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, New York residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license that meets the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act of 2005. New Yorkers can obtain a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID, which is also REAL ID-compliant, from their local Department of Motor Vehicles office. The Enhanced ID can be used instead of a passport for land or sea travel from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries but is not valid for air travel between these countries. To obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, individuals must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, state residency, identity, and Social Security number (if applicable). The REAL ID is indicated by a small star or flag on the license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use my New York license at the airport? | Yes, but only for a limited time. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID for domestic flights in the U.S. from May 3, 2023. |
| REAL ID-compliant license | A REAL ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID with a star or flag on it. |
| Required documents for REAL ID | Proof of identity, proof of legal presence, two proofs of New York residency, social security card (if issued), and a current driver's license if exchanging a license from another U.S. state |
| Additional fee for REAL ID | $30.00 |
| Alternative IDs | A valid U.S. passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant licenses
As of May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident in the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial aircraft, access federal facilities, or enter nuclear power plants. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star in the upper right corner. If your New York State license does not have a star or a flag on it, then it is not REAL ID-compliant.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant license, you must provide two proofs of New York State residency and meet the proof of lawful status, identity, and residency requirements. Acceptable documents for proof of residency include a New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, or a recent pay stub showing your current New York State address. For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can still use a passport or other acceptable forms of identification to fly. However, you will not be able to use a non-compliant ID for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations.
It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel, including international sea cruise travel.
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REAL ID alternatives
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification is required to board commercial aircraft. A New York State license or ID is REAL ID-compliant if it has a star or a flag on it. If your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag, you will need to get a REAL ID to use it as identification at the airport.
You can apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced Document if you are a U.S. citizen and New York State resident. To apply, you must provide two proofs of New York State residency, such as a New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, or a recent pay stub showing your current New York State address. DMV will accept certain electronic documents such as a utility bill, a credit card statement, or a pay stub if they are printed. Documents with a P.O. Box listed cannot be accepted, and any documents issued more than one year before your office visit will not be accepted.
If you do not have a REAL ID, there are alternative forms of identification that you can use to board a commercial aircraft. These include:
- A valid passport or passport card
- A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). These are currently issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs and EIDs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Merchant Mariner Credential
If you do not have a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification, you may still be able to fly. However, you may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
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REAL ID application process
As of May 2023, a REAL ID is required for domestic flights within the US. If you have a passport (or other REAL-compliant document) and are not due to renew your driver's license or ID card, you do not need to upgrade right away. However, if your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document.
To apply for a REAL ID, you must be a US citizen and New York State resident. The REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards.
The REAL ID application process in New York involves providing proof of identity and residency. You will need to bring two documents that provide proof of New York State residency, such as a New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, or a recent pay stub showing your current New York State address. For proof of identity, you can bring a valid US passport, a US government-issued birth certificate, or a Permanent Resident Card I-551. You can confirm the specific documents you need to bring by referring to the DMV's online document guide, which creates an individualized checklist of the required documents.
It is important to note that there is no additional fee for a REAL ID. However, if you are applying for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced non-driver ID card, there is an additional fee of $30.00. Also, you can only renew a New York State driver's license or non-driver ID card within 12 months or less before the expiration date. However, you can apply for renewal earlier than normal to convert to a REAL or Enhanced License or ID. To renew early, your license or ID must be valid, not expired, and issued more than 6 months ago. You must also meet the proof of lawful status, identity, and residency requirements for a REAL or Enhanced photo document.
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REAL ID residency requirements
As of May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required for domestic flights, to enter federal buildings, and to access military bases. REAL IDs are available in Pennsylvania and New York.
To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency in the state. All documents must be original or certified copies—photocopies will not be accepted.
To prove residency in Pennsylvania, you must provide two documents that show your Pennsylvania address. Acceptable documents include:
- Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit, or photo ID card
- Recent bank statement
- Recent pay stub
- Utility bill
- Credit card statement
- U.S. high school photo ID and report card
For New York State residency, you must provide two proofs of residency. Acceptable documents include:
- New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card
- Recent bank statement
- Recent pay stub
- Utility bill
- Credit card statement
Documents with a P.O. Box listed cannot be accepted. Additionally, any documents issued more than one year before your office visit will not be accepted. For example, a bank statement or utility bill provided as proof of residency must have been issued within the last 365 days of the customer’s visit to the DMV.
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REAL ID deadline
For US citizens and New York State residents, a New York State Enhanced License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID can be used instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. However, an Enhanced Photo Document is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.
If your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then it is not REAL ID-compliant. A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID that is required to board a domestic flight within the US or enter certain federal buildings, unless you have a valid passport.
To apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced document, you must provide two proofs of New York State residency. A New York State license, permit, or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, or a recent pay stub showing your current New York State address are some of the acceptable proofs of residency. The DMV will accept certain electronic documents such as a utility bill, a credit card statement, or a pay stub if they are printed. Documents with a P.O. Box listed cannot be accepted. Additionally, any documents issued more than one year before your office visit will not be accepted.
The deadline for US citizens to get a REAL ID or enhanced ID is May 3, 2023. However, starting May 7, 2025, US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only for a limited time. You can use your New York-issued license or identification card for domestic travel until May 3, 2023. After that, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport.
A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID that meets the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.
To get a REAL ID, you need to visit your local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and New York residency. Required documents include one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of New York residency, one proof of your Social Security number (if you have one), and a current driver's license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
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