Starting May 7, 2025, New York residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights.
This change is part of the federal government’s implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005, aimed at enhancing the security of identification documents and preventing the use of fraudulent IDs for federal purposes.
REAL ID-compliant licenses can be identified by a small star or flag on the card. Without one, travelers will need a valid passport, federal PIV card, or U.S. military ID to pass through TSA checkpoints at airports. Non-compliant licenses will also no longer grant access to secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
How to Get a REAL ID
To get the REAL ID, individuals will need to visit their local New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring documents to prove U.S. citizenship and New York residency. The process requires several documents, including:
•Proof of identity (e.g., a passport or U.S. birth certificate)
•Two proofs of New York residency (e.g., utility bills or lease agreements)
•Social Security card (if issued)
•Current driver’s license (if applicable)
Non-U.S. citizens must also provide proof of legal presence in the United States. DMV staff will verify these documents to ensure compliance with the REAL ID Act’s security standards.
What Happens After May 2025?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that travelers without a REAL ID or alternative acceptable identification will not be allowed through airport checkpoints after May 7, 2025. This federal law applies to all domestic flights within the United States.
TSA officers will begin enforcing these requirements nationwide, and signage is already being placed in airports to remind travelers of the upcoming changes. A phased implementation may occur, and updates will be available on the TSA website.
Why REAL ID Matters
Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for airports in Upstate New York, highlighted that REAL ID is a coordinated federal effort to enhance the reliability of identification documents. “These improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification,” he said.
Avoid Last-Minute Rush
With the countdown underway, officials are urging New Yorkers to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later to avoid last-minute complications. Travelers can choose between a REAL ID or an enhanced ID, which also meets federal standards and allows for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
The clock is ticking for New Yorkers to ensure they are travel-ready by May 2025. Upgrading to a REAL ID now will provide peace of mind and prevent any disruptions to travel plans in the near future.
