New York State residents who are looking to travel domestically next year will now need to apply for an enhanced driver’s license if they want to board a plane or enter federal buildings. This new requirement comes as part of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The enhanced driver’s license is a secure form of identification that meets the federal government’s standards for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. It contains a scannable chip that stores the holder’s personal data, making it more difficult to forge or tamper with than a regular driver’s license.
To apply for an enhanced driver’s license in New York, residents must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residency. This includes a valid passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Once the necessary documentation is submitted, applicants will undergo a background check and have their photo taken for the enhanced driver’s license. The entire process takes about two weeks, so residents are encouraged to apply well in advance of any planned travel.
The cost of an enhanced driver’s license in New York is $30 in addition to the standard driver’s license fee of $64.50. The enhanced license is good for eight years and can be used for both driving and as a form of identification when traveling domestically.
Many New Yorkers are already making plans to apply for the enhanced driver’s license, as the deadline for compliance with the Real ID Act is fast approaching. Starting on October 1, 2020, residents without a Real ID-compliant form of identification will not be allowed to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.
For frequent travelers, the enhanced driver’s license is a convenient option that eliminates the need to carry multiple forms of identification. Unlike a passport, the enhanced license can be easily tucked into a wallet or purse and used for quick and easy identification at airports and other security checkpoints.
The Real ID Act has been met with mixed reactions from New Yorkers, with some applauding the added security measures and others expressing frustration with the additional requirements. However, state officials are urging residents to comply with the new regulations to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
In addition to the enhanced driver’s license, New York residents have the option to apply for a Real ID-compliant identification card or passport. Both of these forms of identification will be accepted for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings, but the enhanced driver’s license is the most convenient option for those who already have a driver’s license.
As the deadline for compliance with the Real ID Act approaches, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit their local DMV office and apply for the enhanced driver’s license as soon as possible. With proper documentation and a bit of patience, residents can obtain this secure form of identification and ensure a smooth travel experience in the years to come.
