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The deadline for New Yorkers to obtain a REAL ID is just one week away. Starting on May 7, a standard driver's license will no longer be sufficient for domestic air travel within the United States. Travelers aged 18 and older must have a REAL ID, Enhanced License, or another acceptable form of identification to board flights. Without these, passengers may face additional screening, longer wait times, or even be denied boarding.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is urging residents to make appointments at their local DMV offices to upgrade their licenses. A REAL ID is identifiable by a star or flag on the license and is required under the REAL ID Act of 2005, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued identification. According to the New York DMV, individuals will need to present documents such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security card to obtain a REAL ID.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) emphasizes that the REAL ID is part of a federal effort to enhance the security and reliability of identification documents. TSA officials will not permit travelers to pass through airport checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of ID after the deadline.
For more information on obtaining a REAL ID, New Yorkers can visit the Department of Homeland Security website or the New York DMV site.