KEARNS ENCOURAGES DMV CUSTOMERS TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS AS REAL ID DEADLINE APPROACHES

Online appointments can often be made on the same day at any of the six County Branch Offices.

Erie County, NY - With the May 7th deadline approaching, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns has noted a significant increase in REAL ID transactions at each of the six Erie County Auto Bureau Branches.

"If you plan to visit the DMV to obtain your REAL ID, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment. Doing so will grant you access to our DMV Express Lane for immediate service," stated Kearns. "If you walk in without an appointment, you may encounter longer wait times, longer lines, you may be asked to return with an appointment or possibly be directed to another DMV Branch that is less busy."

Kearns also mentioned that "Not everyone will need a REAL ID by May 7. The federal government requires that individuals aged 18 and older present a REAL ID or an accepted alternative (such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID) to board a commercial U.S. flight." He added, "In many cases, it might be wise to delay your visit to the DMV. If you do not plan to board a U.S. flight anytime soon, consider waiting to obtain a REAL ID until it's time to renew your New York State credential later in the year."

May 7th is the day enforcement begins for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Buffalo/Niagara International Airport, but The Erie County Auto Bureau will continue issuing both the REAL ID and the Enhanced versions well into the future.

Here are steps to consider before upgrading to a REAL ID:

• Ensure you do not already have a REAL ID-compliant document. A New York State REAL ID has a black star in the upper right corner, or if you have an Enhanced version, you will see a U.S. flag at the top or bottom right corner of your license or non-driver identification card.
• You do not need a REAL ID if you possess a U.S. passport book or card or other federally accepted alternative, such as a NEXUS card.
• If you are not flying anytime soon, wait until your credential expires before upgrading.
• Appointments are encouraged and available, but they are not mandatory. All DMV offices welcome walk-in traffic. If there are no available appointments, please check back later, as new appointments are released daily. Keep in mind that if any office is experiencing high transaction volume, you may be asked to return with an appointment confirmation or may be directed to another Erie County Auto Bureau location that is less busy.
• Make sure to bring the right original or certified documents, including one proof of identity and two proofs of your home address from different sources. You will also need to provide proof of lawful U.S. status and your Social Security number (or proof of ineligibility for one). We offer an "Are You Ready?" document guide to help you create a checklist of the required identifying documents.
• If you have an appointment, make sure you utilize the exclusive DMV Express Lane for immediate service.

To assist residents in obtaining a REAL ID, Kearns and his "Clerk on the Go" team are continuing to host community outreach events across the County, along with information sessions and extended-hours events at the Erie County Auto Bureau in Cheektowaga. These sessions aim to answer questions, explain the required documents, and issue REAL ID documents to those ready to complete their transactions.

Additional REAL ID events taking place at the Cheektowaga Branch located in the Urbandale Plaza at 2122 George Urban Blvd. These events are scheduled for select Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on April 8 and May 6, as well as Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on April 12 and May 3. Anyone interested in obtaining their REAL ID during these extended hour events must make a reservation.

To learn more about the REAL ID, review the list of acceptable documents required, or to schedule a DMV appointment, please contact the Clerk's Outreach Center. Our hours are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and until 7 PM on Thursdays. You can reach us at 716-858-8864 or visit erie.gov/clerk/REALID.