Are you REAL ID ready? What you need to know with the approaching deadline

If you frequently fly, it's time to get prepared for your next adventure. The deadline to meet the REAL ID compliance standard is rapidly approaching.

Starting May 7, 2025, it will be mandatory for domestic air travel and the Erie County Clerk's Office wants you to be ready. Here are some common questions about REAL ID:

What is REAL ID? REAL ID is a federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver identifications designed to help prevent fraudulent identification. There is no additional fee for a REAL ID, just the standard fees associated with the transaction.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID? A REAL ID-compliant card will have one of the following markings on the upper or lower part of the card: a black star or a United States flag. If your card lacks this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as valid identification for boarding commercial aircraft. A non-REAL ID-compliant ID will have the words "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" printed on it.

When will REAL ID be required to fly? A REAL ID will be needed starting May 7, 2025, in New York. While this requirement will affect domestic flights, it will not impact your ability to drive. You can still use a standard New York driver's license for driving purposes or as a government-issued form of identification.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly in the United States? Besides a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification for flying include an Enhanced Driver's License or non-driver ID, a U.S. passport book or card, or a federally approved ID such as a NEXUS card.

Is getting a REAL ID mandatory? No, a REAL ID is optional and is not needed for the following: being licensed to drive, voting or registering to vote, applying for or receiving Federal benefits, accessing health or life insurance, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities, participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations, entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification.

Will I need a REAL ID for any other reasons? Yes, you will also need a REAL ID to access federal facilities such as a U.S. military bases and enter nuclear power plants.

Does an Enhanced ID meet the REAL ID compliance standard? Yes, the Enhanced Driver License (EDL) has been available to New York state residents since 2008.

An EDL, however, includes a banner that says "Enhanced" and includes a picture of an American flag in the top right corner. (Older Enhanced IDs have the flag in the bottom right corner.)

An Enhanced ID is acceptable for REAL ID purposes, allowing you to travel on any domestic flight and to enter federal buildings and military bases. An EDL is also acceptable identification at U.S. land and sea borders for traveling to and from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean; a passport is still required for all international flights.

Like the REAL ID, you must go to an Erie County Auto Bureau in person to get an enhanced driver's license with documents proving your U.S. citizenship, identity and residency.

An EDL costs $30 extra on top of normal transaction fees.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) requires the following original documents to obtain either a REAL ID or Enhanced ID:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport or card, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you have a valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original Social Security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you do not have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number.
• Proof of your date of birth, such as an original or certified copy of birth certificate.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the United States, such as a valid passport. However, eligibility will be determined after review of acceptable immigration documentation.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence, such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (a P.O. Box not acceptable).
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your proof of identity, lawful status and Social Security, you must bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change(s), such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption, or court-order document.
• All documents must be original or certified copies, no photocopies or screen shots can be accepted, per NYS DMV.

Where do I obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID? Both IDs must be obtained in-person at the Erie County Auto Bureau (NYS DMV).

Due to the expected higher than usual volume at all our DMV Branches, I encourage making an appointment. You can find out more about the REAL ID compliance standard or book an on-line appointment by visiting erie.gov/clerkor for additional assistance call the Clerk's Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.

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