REAL ID deadline approaches. What it is, what you need to know in New York

The clock is ticking: There's just about a year in which to get an enhanced or REAL ID, for which you will need to board a flight within the U.S., or enter certain federal buildings including military bases, unless you have a passport or another federally-accepted form of identification.

The deadline was extended previously, in part due to COVID, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025 .

Why REAL ID?

It's the law. These requirements are the result of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 at the 9/11 Commission's suggestion that the federal government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," according to the Department of Homeland Security .

The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will be prohibited after the deadline from accepting driver's licenses and ID cards that do not meet federal standards.

In New York, one can currently get an enhanced ID, a REAL ID, or a standard driver's license, but the standard license is not compliant with REAL ID laws.

"The good news is that you do not have to wait to get a REAL ID or enhanced ID," said Mark J.F. Schroeder, commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, in a news release . "You can get one now at your local DMV office. We urge all New Yorkers who want to travel within the US to act now ... We don’t want any customers caught by surprise when they go to travel after the deadline."

Be REAL ID ready by hartrionos on Scribd

Enhanced vs. REAL IDs

Enhanced documents are federal REAL ID compliant, and feature an image of the U.S. flag on them. REAL IDs issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles have an image of a star on them.

Enhanced licenses include a radio frequency identification chip that allows authorities to see someone's biographic and biometric data at a border inspection booth from as far away as 30 feet. Those licenses also have a machine-readable zone or barcode that authorities can read electronically if the RFID chip system is not available.

The other main difference is enhanced IDs can be used to cross by land or sea the U.S border from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. This license can be used in lieu of a passport as an identity and citizenship document only in these instances; REAL IDs cannot. (Air travel to those nations will still require a passport .)

Enhanced IDs (either an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced non-driver ID card) also cost $30 more , in addition to the regular transaction fees.

REAL or enhanced IDs are not mandatory, and they are not necessary to be licensed to drive or vote.

What you need to secure a REAL ID

Getting either an enhanced or a REAL ID has more stringent requirements than getting a standard driver's license. One will need to prove both U.S. citizenship as well as New York state residency. Needed documents:

• One proof of identity — this can be a current New York license, permit or non-driver ID card;
• One proof of legal presence — a U.S. birth certificate, either an original or certified copy only, no hospital certificates;
• Two proofs of New York state residency — this must show a full address, not a Post Office box. Acceptable are a New York license, permit or non-driver ID card; New York certificate of title; New York professional license; bank statement issued within the past year; utility bill from within the U.S. issued within the past year with name and address; credit card statement on letterhead, issued within the past year; or a property or school tax bill or receipt for the current year.
• Proof of Social Security number (if one has been issued to you) — either a Social Security card or a current W2, paystub, 1099 or 1098 tax form showing the full number; and
• Current driver's license if one is applying to exchange one issued by another state.

Additionally, if your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, proof of the name change must be submitted, such as a marriage certificate (not church-issued), a court-issued name change decree, or a divorce decree that states the previous name.

What's not accepted ? Commemorative Social Security cards (usually metal, needs to be original document); Medicare cards; Social Security stubs; hospital-issued birth certificates (must be from municipality where born); church-issued marriage certificate; medical bills; and college admission letters are not valid for ID verification purposes.

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Which ID is right for me?

The Department of Motor Vehicles has a comparison chart of the features of a standard (current), enhanced and REAL ID card. The following questions will also help in making a determination:

• Do you want to use your license (ID) to board a domestic flight?
• Do you want to use your ID to enter a federal building or military base?
• Do you want to use your ID to cross into the U.S., whether by land or sea, from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean?

Don't need or want a REAL ID?

Regardless of whether you get a standard, enhanced, or REAL ID driver's license, you will need proof of citizenship, residency and name, coming up with a value of at least "six points" in some combination to satisfy Department of Motor Vehicles requirements . The DMV has an online document guide and will walk you through what is needed .

Previous Gannett stories were used in this reporting.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: REAL ID deadline approaches. What it is, what you need to know in New York