New York’s Real ID vs. Enhanced ID: Which one do you need?

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the federal government will require those boarding domestic flights to carry a driver’s license or other identification card that is Real ID compliant.

However, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers residents two options: a standard Real ID or an Enhanced ID.

So what’s the difference between the two?

Both the Real ID and Enhanced ID will allow travelers to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings.

However, Enhanced ID’s will also allow residents to cross United States land and sea borders from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries, without the need for a passport.

Enhanced ID’s do not authorize air travel between these countries, strictly land and sea travel. Passports are still required for all international flights.

Real ID’s are marked with a star logo in the top-right corner, with Enhanced ID’s featuring a banner that reads “Enhanced," along with an American flag in the bottom-right corner.

Standard ID cards, which are still valid for all other purposes outside of domestic flights and entering federal buildings, now feature the phrase “Not For Federal Purposes” in the top-right corner.

Those who wish to obtain a Real ID must go to a DMV office. You cannot get a Real ID online, by phone, or through mail.

There is no additional cost to get a Real ID. However, all normal transaction fees still apply. An Enhanced ID will cost an extra $30, in addition to the normal transaction fees.

Valid U.S. Passports are already Real ID compliant and can continue to be used to board flights.

The DMV lists the following documents needed to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced ID:

RECOMMENDED • silive .com

Don’t have a Real ID? Here are other options to travel by plane. Sep. 15, 2024, 12:00 p.m.

E-ZPass texted me about a toll. Is it for real? Sep. 14, 2024, 3:30 p.m.

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, 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.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the United States.
• 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.

For more information on obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced ID, visit the DMV website.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Cookie Settings

• | Privacy Policy
• | User Agreement
• | Ad Choices

Disclaimer

Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2024).

© 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.

YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.