You will soon need to be REAL ID compliant to board an airplane starting May 3, 2023. Are you ready?

New York residents who wish to use their driver’s license as identification to board an airplane will need a REAL ID (indicated by a star) or ENHANCED (indicated by a flag) on their New York State driver’s license for air travel within the United States.

What is the difference between the REAL ID and ENHANCED?

The REAL ID is accepted for air travel within the U.S. and entering federal buildings. There is no additional cost, all normal transaction fees still apply. The ENHANCED is accepted for air travel within the U.S., entering federal buildings, and border crossings by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. There is an additional $30.00 fee added to the transaction fee.

What do you need to get a REAL ID or ENHANCED document?

You must bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.

• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security ineligibility. If you have a valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original social security card, W-2, 1098 or 1099 with full social security number. If you do not have a NYS 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. If you lost your social security card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV.

• Proof of date of birth. Original or certified copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

• 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 utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, W-2, mortgage statement or lease agreement, property or school tax bill. 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 in court or government issued proofs documenting the event to cause your name change(s) such as marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document.

The application process also requires the DMV to take a new photo.

If you have any questions regarding any of these acceptable documents, please refer to form ID-44 or contact one of our St. Lawrence County DMV offices in Canton 315-386-1408, Gouverneur 315-287-7034, Massena 315-764-1727 or Ogdensburg 315-393-5386.