DMV Launches Call for Drivers to Get Upgraded ID

Tuesday, July 10, 2018 6:43 pm | < 1 Minute Read

A Real drivers license ID with a star indicating that it is valid for boarding domestic flights after standard ID are phased out for this purpose in 2020. (DMV)

New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles is urging people to get a Real ID when they renew their driver’s license to avoid having to make another trip to the DMV after Oct. 1, 2020, when standard driver’s licenses won’t be accepted for domestic air travel without additional documentation.

Motor Vehicles officials are launching a statewide promotional tour to inform people about the upcoming change.

Customers now have three options when getting a driver’s license or non-driver ID: Standard, Real ID or Enhanced. The cost to get a Real ID is the same as a standard license or non-driver ID, but an Enhanced license costs an extra $30 and requires an office visit to prove your identity.

Beginning in 27 months, only Real and Enhanced ID will allow entry to federal buildings and domestic flights. For use to cross international borders such as travel to Canada, only Enhanced ID will be valid.