Update: The deadline for getting a REAL ID or similar has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. A new deadline has not been announced.
If you’re planning to travel a year from now, you may need a new enhanced driver’s license or a REAL ID. Which is which? And when do I need them?
New York has three types of identification: A standard driver’s license, an Enhanced ID and REAL ID. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the federal government will require a REAL ID, Enhanced ID or similar valid identification card in order to board any domestic flight. In New York, both an Enhanced ID and a REAL ID will allow you to fly anywhere in the U.S., while a standard driver’s license will not.
The REAL ID and Enhanced ID will also allow New York state residents to enter federal buildings, and Enhanced IDs will allow you to travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport -- but not by plane. Passports are still required for all international flights.
Confused? Let’s compare REAL ID and Enhanced IDs to help you determine which identification you need 12 months from now, and how to get one.
The REAL ID, or Real ID, was created in 2005 to increase federal security measures after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The REAL ID will be required beginning Oct. 1, 2020, for any adults 18 or older flying within the United States or to enter federal buildings and military bases.
REAL IDs also serve as standard driver’s licenses and identification cards, and look similar, but the REAL ID includes a gold circle with a star in the top right corner.
There is no additional cost for a REAL ID, but you must go to a DMV office to get one in person. You cannot get a REAL ID online or by phone or mail.
The Enhanced Driver License has been available to New York state residents since 2008 and also looks similar to a standard driver’s license. An EDL, however, includes a banner that says “Enhanced” and includes a picture of an American flag in the bottom-right corner.
An Enhanced ID is acceptable for REAL ID purposes, and will allow you to travel on any domestic flight and to enter federal buildings and military bases. An EDL is also acceptable identification at land and sea borders for traveling to and from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean; a passport is still required for all international flights.
The EDL costs $30 extra on top of normal transaction fees.
Besides New York, four other states -- Washington, Michigan, Vermont and Minnesota -- offer enhanced driver’s licenses that are similarly REAL ID compliant.
No. Standard driver’s card and non-driver ID cards are still valid for driving and identification in the U.S. and New York state. All new standard IDs issued after Oct. 30, 2017, include the phrase “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES” to indicate that they cannot be used for any U.S. flights or to enter federal buildings. A second form of valid identification, such as a Passport or REAL ID or EDL, will be required for domestic flights.
In other words, if you don’t plan on flying anywhere and don’t plan to drive to Canada anytime soon, then you don’t need to rush out and get a REAL ID or EDL. Also, you don’t need a REAL ID or EDL to travel if you already have a valid U.S. passport, Global Entry card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized, tribal-issued photo IDs, transportation worker identification credentials or U.S. Merchant Mariner credentials.
A REAL ID is also not required for voting or registering to vote; applying for federal benefits; accessing health services (including hospitals), law enforcement or court proceedings; and participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.
However, the New York State DMV is strongly encouraging residents to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced Driver’s License now to ensure they’ll be able to travel in the future.
Which is better, REAL ID or Enhanced Driver’s License? That’s up to you. They both serve as acceptable identification for a driver’s license, domestic flights and to enter federal buildings. A REAL ID costs the same as standard identification, while an Enhanced Driver’s License costs $30 more.
The biggest difference is an Enhanced ID allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport -- but not by plane. A passport is still required for international flights.
For more information on obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced ID, visit dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/federal-real-id or dhs.gov/real-id.
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