NY REAL ID Deadline In 2020: Everything You Need To Know

NEW YORK, NY — The new year is nearly here, and that means we're another month closer to the REAL ID deadline. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, New York drivers' licenses, permits and state identification cards must be REAL ID compliant as state-issued identification cards become compliant with federal standards.

Beginning in the fall, drivers' licenses and state IDs that are not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted as identification by federal authorities. This means New Yorkers who haven't switched over won't be able to use their state-issued ID to take domestic flights. New York has been issuing the upgraded IDs, but time is running out for residents to get them before their travel plans get disrupted.

Congress passed the law in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The deadline was set by the Trump administration after the law was opposed by states under President George W. Bush and not enforced under President Barack Obama.

The REAL ID will become mandatory for domestic flights and to enter military bases and other certain federal sites. It is not required to get a driver's license, vote or to receive federal benefits. Enhanced driver licenses, permits, non-driver IDs and valid U.S. passports are already REAL ID compliant and can be used to board a flight.

Terri Egan, New York's DMV executive deputy commissioner, has said they hope to make the ID transition as "simple as possible" for customers.

"To do that, we have created a handy online document guide that shows customers everything they need to bring with them to be properly prepared for their visit," he said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, criticized the REAL ID law, saying it's a thinly veiled attempt to create a national ID. The organization also said the ID will allow the federal government to collect even more information on residents and place a burden on state governments to issue the IDs.

REAL IDs resemble a standard New York 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 residency, lawful presence in the country and Social Security status. A star icon on a license then shows each requirement has been met, meaning it is REAL ID compliant. Alternatively, residents can apply for a New York State ENDID that can be used instead of a passport to return to the United States from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean, as long as it's by land or sea — not air. These will be marked with an American Flag on the bottom right of the card.

Unlike regular license renewals, getting a REAL ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV. It has caused long lines and delays at some DMVs, especially in New York City. So those making the switch should plan accordingly.

When heading to the DMV to get a REAL ID, residents should bring several documents — originals, not copies.

This includes:

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

New York also now offers Enhanced IDs. These documents are REAL ID compliant and offer all the same benefits. You also can to use them as an ID to cross the border from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without needing a passport, but only by car. Enhanced IDs cost an additional $30.