New York State REAL ID deadline

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Planning any trips for next year? Will you need to fly? If so you better listen up! The deadline is coming for REAL IDs. What’s this all about? News10NBC’s Nikki Rudd has what you need to know.

First, pull out your driver’s license. Go ahead. Get it out of your purse or wallet. Now, look at it. Does it have a flag or star on it? If it doesn’t, you need to read this story.

If you want to fly anywhere in the United States you need to have a Real ID, an Enhanced Driver’s License, or a U.S. Passport by May 3, 2023. This is a federal requirement. So as my first-grade teacher told me, "No ifs, ands or buts about it!

New York State DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder was at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport today to talk about the upcoming deadline. He was joined by Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo. They want people to get REAL IDs or Enhanced Driver Licenses now, so there’s not a mad rush as we get closer to the deadline.

"It is coming," said Romeo. "There’s been a lot of conversations from the TSA and the federal government but May 3rd will be that last time and there will be that sudden shift. You may show up here to the Frederick Douglass Airport and may not be able to get on the plane if you don’t have that right type of ID."

To get started, just go to the DMV website, and there’s a step-by-step guide on what you’ll need to bring to the DMV. Then just make your appointment online. Romeo says you can usually get in that same week. Once you’re there, it should take about 20 minutes. Two weeks later you should get your new REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License.

If you’re wondering why this is happening, it’s all about safety. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses, permits and ID cards.

I got my Enhanced Driver License back in February 2020 because that one lets your cross the border into Canada. It costs $30 more. The REAL ID costs the same as a regular license.

This REAL ID deadline was extended during the pandemic, but now it’s the real deal. No more extensions or procrastinating. Homeland Security has a countdown to REAL ID enforcement online. You’ve been warned!