REAL ID 'Crisis': What You Need To Know In New York

NEW YORK, NY — A trade group that represents the commercial airport industry has proclaimed a "crisis" on the REAL ID program and is calling on Congress to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for compliance. The clock is ticking on the deadline for New York and other U.S. residents to get their REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards if they want to travel by air.

The Airports Council-North America, which represents commercial airports in the United States and Canada, has asked the federal government to extend the deadline amid concerns that two-thirds of driver's licenses held by Americans aren't REAL ID-compliant.

REAL IDs resemble a standard New York driver's license, and the license itself doesn't have any new information. But in order to receive one, you have to go to the DMV and prove your identity, your residency, lawful presence in the country and Social Security status. A star icon on a license then shows each requirement has been met, meaning it is REAL ID compliant. Alternatively, residents can apply for a New York State ENDID that can be used instead of a passport to return to the United States from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean, as long as it's by land or sea — not air. These will be marked with an American Flag on the bottom right of the card.

Unlike regular license renewals, getting a REAL ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV. It has caused long lines and delays at some DMVs, especially in New York City. So those making the switch should plan accordingly.

When heading to the DMV to get a REAL ID, residents should bring several documents — originals, not copies.

This includes:

• Proof of identity, including a valid license, birth certificate or passport, with full first, middle and last name. This name will be displayed on the card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security number or Social Security number ineligibility. Those with a New York driver's license or ID card, must bring a Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration proving ineligibility to have a Social Security number. Those who lost their Social Security card must obtain a duplicate before heading to the DMV.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (a post office box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status and Social Security proofs, you must bring court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption or court order document.

New York also now offers Enhanced IDs. These documents are REAL ID compliant and offer all the same benefits. You also can to use them as an ID to cross the border from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without needing a passport, but only by car. Enhanced IDs cost an additional $30.

Kevin M. Burke, the president and CEO of the airport industry trade group, warned of travel disruptions if the REAL ID deadline isn't extended.

"If the government doesn’t make a definitive statement now that they're going to extend this, then we're going to have a real crisis on our hands come Oct. 1," Burke told NBC News.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows states have issued more than 95 million REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.

If travelers haven't obtained them by Oct. 1, they won’t be able to board flights, and that could disrupt their lives and airline operations, as well, Burke said.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a REAL ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

As the deadline looms, motor vehicle offices are scrambling to keep up with the number of people requesting the REAL IDs, the NBC News report said.