Updated drivers licenses

ALBANY » The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds New Yorkers that REAL ID is now available at DMV offices across New York state. New Yorkers wishing to fly within the U.S. using their NYS issued license or ID card will need a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License (EDL) after the Oct. 1, 2020 federal deadline.

DMV is encouraging New Yorkers to get REAL ID after the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) found New York to be in full compliance with the REAL ID Act and regulation.

Getting a REAL ID is just like getting a standard New York State license or non-driver ID. The cost is the same, but it requires applicants to make a trip to their local DMV office to get a photo taken and present the required proof documents. To ensure customers have all the proof needed before they visit their local office, DMV has created a tool that will walk customers through what they need to bring to the office. Find it at www. dmv.ny.gov/REALID. While on the DMV website, customers visiting select DMV offices may also make an appointment for the DMV visit. DMV encourages everyone who is renewing or obtaining a license or non-driver ID for the first time to get a REAL ID.

“If your license or non-driver ID is coming up for renewal, or you are getting one for the first time, we strongly encourage you to get a REAL ID,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “Our dedicated staff is ready to help New Yorkers understand the new federal requirements and get you on yourway fast. Plus, we have created a new tool on the DMV website to make it easier for New Yorkers to be sure they have the proof required when they visit a DMV office.”

The new REAL ID is being offered in accordance with the federal REAL ID Act, which requires residents to have a federally approved license, like a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License (EDL), to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings after Oct. 1, 2020. Standard state licenses, which will now be marked Not for Federal Purposes, will no longer be accepted after the federal deadline without an additional form of identification, like a passport.

Per federal law, obtaining a REAL ID or EDL requires New Yorkers to present their identification and proof of residency in person at a DMV office. All official identification documents presented at a DMV office, like birth certificates and marriage licenses, must be an original or certified copy. Additionally, if the name on the applicant’s birth certificate does not match the name on other documents, the applicant will also be required to provide court- or government-issued proof of the name change, like a marriage license, divorce decree, court document, or adoption certificate.

DMV has created a stepby-step guide to help ensure applicants have the correct documents before visiting DMV. Learn more at www. dmv.ny.gov/REALID.

DMV also created a new video highlighting the differences between the new REAL ID, the Enhanced Driver License, and the traditional New York State license and non-driver ID.

A full list of identification accepted for travel by the Transportation Security Administration can be found at www.tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/identification.

For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook and Twitter.