Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all US passengers aged 18 and over must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID-compliant New York State license has a star on it, while an enhanced license has a flag. New York residents can obtain a REAL ID or enhanced ID by visiting their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and presenting certain documents, such as proof of their Social Security number and U.S. citizenship. It is worth noting that a REAL ID is not required for children under 18 when traveling within the United States, but individual airlines may have their own policies about ID requirements for minors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of enforcement | May 7, 2025 |
| ID requirements | REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID |
| Examples of acceptable IDs | Passport, federal government PIV card, U.S. military ID, REAL ID-compliant driver's license |
| Examples of non-compliant IDs | State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant |
| Consequences of non-compliance | Individuals will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly |
| TSA requirements for children | Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the U.S. unless they are unaccompanied |
| Cost of REAL ID in New York | Same as a standard New York State license or non-driver ID |
| Additional cost for Enhanced ID | $30 |
| Documents required for REAL ID | Proof of identity, proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, proof of Social Security number, and a current driver's license |
| Documents required for REAL ID if the name on the birth certificate is different | Certified copy of marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s), or court order document(s) |
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What You'll Learn
What is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was enacted to improve the reliability and accuracy of such documents and inhibit terrorists' ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card, such as a star or a flag, indicating that it meets federal regulations.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and bring certain documents to prove their identity and residency. These documents include full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. It is important to note that states may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the state's DMV office before visiting them in person. The REAL ID is free, but normal transaction fees still apply.
It is worth mentioning that a REAL ID is not always necessary. A passport, federal government PIV card, U.S. military ID, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License are all acceptable alternative forms of identification for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities.
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How to get a REAL ID in New York
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, or an alternative acceptable form of ID, will be mandatory for air travel within the US. REAL IDs are federally compliant DMV-issued driver's licenses, learner permits, or non-driver IDs that meet federal regulations establishing minimum security standards.
To get a REAL ID in New York, you will need to visit your local New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and bring certain documents to prove your identity and residency. The DMV’s online document guide will show you exactly what documents you need to bring. Generally, you will need to provide:
- Proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate)
- Proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens
- Two proofs of New York residency (e.g. a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub)
- Your Social Security card (if you have one)
- A current driver's license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state
You can have your REAL ID application securely pre-screened before you visit a DMV office to have your photo taken and complete your document upgrade.
It is important to note that there is an additional fee for an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced non-driver ID card (ENDID), which is $30 on top of the other fees for the driver's license or non-driver ID transaction.
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What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID will be mandatory for air travel within the United States. A New York State REAL ID-compliant driver's license has a star on it, and an enhanced license has a flag.
To obtain a REAL ID, you will need to bring certain documents to prove your identity. This includes:
- Proof of identity: This can be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
- Proof of a Social Security number: You can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, a pay stub, or a paycheck from your job.
- Proof of residency: This can include a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
It is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to confirm the exact documents required, as these may vary slightly from state to state.
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Where can I get a REAL ID?
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers with non-compliant IDs will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a federal government PIV card.
To get a REAL ID-compliant license, New York residents will need to visit their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and bring certain documents to prove their identity and residency. This includes one proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New York residency, your social security card (if issued), and a current driver's license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
There is no additional fee for a REAL ID, but there is a $30 fee for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced non-driver ID card. 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.
If your name has changed due to marriage or divorce, for example, proof of each change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, must be provided to show the connection.
You can also apply for an IDNYC, which is a standard form of identification that can be used by New York City residents. To apply, you must visit an Enrollment Center in person, with an appointment, and submit your application and documents proving your identity and residency. Your photo will be taken and included on the card. All your original documents will be returned to you immediately, and your IDNYC card will be mailed to your home or can be picked up at the Enrollment Center after 10-14 business days.
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What are the costs of getting a REAL ID?
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, or a valid passport, will be mandatory for air travel in the United States. A New York State REAL ID license has a star on it, while a New York State enhanced license has a flag. Both are REAL ID-compliant.
There is no additional cost to get a REAL ID, but all normal transaction fees still apply, meaning everyone will have to pay roughly $40-$50 for a new ID. The additional fee for an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced non-driver ID card (ENDID) is $30, which is added to the other fees for the driver's license or non-driver ID transaction. The early renewal fees with conversion to a REAL or Enhanced photo document are based on the class of the driver's license or the type of new photo document, and how many full or partial 6-month periods there are between the date of the application and the next birthday and the year of expiration.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals will need to visit their 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 (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New York residency, your social security card (if issued), and a current driver's license if exchanging one issued by another U.S. state. Expired or outdated documents will not be accepted. Certified copies of both birth and marriage certificates are accepted.
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Frequently asked questions
REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the U.S. federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver's licenses and identification cards. It was passed by Congress in 2005 and establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards.
A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star or a flag on it.
To get a REAL ID, you must apply in person at your local DMV office and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and state residency. These documents include proof of identity, proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board your flight.
No, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
