REAL ID Deadline Is Looming For New Yorkers, For Real This Time

NEW YORK STATE — The deadline to get your New York ID upgraded to a REAL ID is quickly approaching. Come October, the REAL ID will be needed in order to board domestic flights in the United States.

The REAL ID is a federal program that establishes minimum security requirements for state-issued IDs. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, and the original deadline of October 2020 was set by President Donald Trump's administration after the law was opposed by states under President George W. Bush and not enforced under President Barack Obama. That deadline was then extended by a year due to the coronavirus.

The program is opposed by the ACLU, which says it is a thinly veiled attempt to create a national ID. The ACLU also says the ID will allow the federal government to collect even more information on residents, as well as place a burden on state governments to issue the ID cards.

Starting Oct. 1, passengers on domestic flights will have to present a REAL ID or a passport in order to board.

In New York, REAL IDs are only available at the DMV. REAL IDs don't look much different from a standard New York State 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 New York residency, your lawful presence in the country and your Social Security status. Doing this gets you star icon on your license, which means it is REAL ID compliant.

Getting a REAL ID must be done in-person at the DMV. In order to receive it, you have to bring the following with you:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle and last name. This name will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security number or Social Security number ineligibility. If you have a New York State driver's license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a Social Security number. If you lost your Social Security card, you must obtain a duplicate before you go 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.

There is no extra cost to have a REAL ID license, and it is not mandatory. It is not required to drive, and a regular state ID is still a valid form of identification in most cases. Children under 18 do not need REAL IDs to board airplanes if they are accompanied by an adult.