DMV Offers Tips On How To Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying For Or Upgrading To A “REAL ID”

Beginning on October 1, 2020, those wishing to fly within the U.S. using their New York State-issued ID will need a REAL ID or Enhanced License, permit or non-driver ID.

Photo by: NYS DMV

1. Not Providing Proof of Middle Name or Name Change: If a middle name appears on some but not all of a customer’s documents, they must bring a government-issued document such as a social security card, birth certificate or U.S. passport to provide proof of their full legal name. In addition, if a customer’s first or last name has changed due to marriage, divorce or a court granted name change, they must provide documentation showing proof of the name change.  For example, if a customer’s maiden name appears on their birth certificate but their married name appears on their social security card, then they must provide an original government-issued marriage certificate showing the reason for the change.  If a customer’s name has changed multiple times, they must provide proof of each change to show the connection.
2. Bringing Photocopies Instead of Original Documents: As part of the federal requirements for getting a REAL ID, customers must visit a DMV office to have a new picture taken and present original documents that prove their full legal name, New York State residency and social security number, among other things. Customers must bring original documents to the DMV such as their original birth certificate, social security card or government-issued marriage certificate.
3. Not Checking the Online Document Guide Before Visiting the DMV: The award-winning DMV document guide, which can be found at dmv.ny.gov/documentguide, will show customers exactly what documents they need to bring for their visit, such as a utility bill, U.S. Passport, and more.  The document guide also allows customers to print the list of documents they need. Outdated or expired documents will not be accepted.
4. Using Nicknames: Many DMV customers commonly use nicknames, abbreviated names or confirmation names when applying for a New York State issued license or ID card.  Federal requirements do not allow DMV to issue REAL IDs to customers under any name other than their full legal name.  If a nickname, abbreviated name or confirmation name appears on any of the customer’s proof documents, they must show additional proof of their full legal name, or proof of a court-granted name change.
5. Not Providing Appropriate Proof of Residency: Customers applying for a REAL ID must provide two proofs of New York State residency.  A New York State License, Permit or Non-Driver ID Card, a recent bank statement, or a recent paystub showing the customer’s current New York State address are among the acceptable proofs of residency.  Documents with a P.O. Box listed cannot be accepted.  DMV will accept certain electronic documents such as a utility bill, credit card statement or paystub if they are printed. Additionally, some documents issued after a certain date will not be accepted.  For example, a bank statement or utility bill that is provided as proof of residency must have been issued within 120 days of the customer’s visit to DMV. Customers should use the DMV document guide to confirm which proofs they need to bring.