With less than four months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging New Yorkers to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act now. 

“You don’t want to wait until the last minute to get into the DMV if you still need a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID and you have upcoming travel plans,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “We do not yet know how the REAL ID Act will be enforced on May 7, so the best way to ensure smooth travel and avoid delays is to get to the DMV and upgrade your ID right away.” 

REAL ID Enforcement

Last week, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of final rulemaking which confirms that REAL ID enforcement will begin on May 7, however, the rule allows federal agencies to implement a phased approach to card-based enforcement for up to two years. Any federal agency that chooses a phased enforcement approach must publish the details of their plan on the agency’s website prior to May 7, 2025. They are also required to fully enforce the REAL ID Act no later than May 2027.  

How to Get a REAL ID 

New Yorkers are encouraged to visit a DMV office as soon as possible to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, which is also acceptable for REAL ID purposes, even if their license, permit, or non-driver ID is not yet due for renewal. There is no additional cost to get a REAL ID beyond the regular renewal fee. An Enhanced ID costs $30 extra and can be used as identification when returning to the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. 

Those getting a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID must visit a DMV office in person. They must bring certain original documents that prove who they are and to have a new picture taken. To make this process as easy as possible, the DMV offers several online tools such as a document guide and an online application pre-screening process to help New Yorkers prepare. These tools provide detailed instructions about which documents to bring to the DMV.  

Many DMV offices strongly encourage customers to make a reservation, which can be done online. DMV has also issued guidance to help customers avoid the top five most common mistakes people make when seeking to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID.  

For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced IDs, visit the Enhanced or REAL ID webpage. 

Learn more about the NYS DMV online at Facebook,  X and Instagram.