New York state residents who are looking to upgrade their driver’s license to an enhanced driver’s license now have a convenient option available to them. An enhanced driver’s license is a federal REAL ID-compliant document that can be used for domestic air travel within the United States, as well as for entry into federal buildings and military bases.
To obtain an enhanced driver’s license in New York, residents must follow a few simple steps. The first step is to make an appointment at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Appointments can be made online through the DMV website, which offers a convenient scheduling system that allows residents to choose a day and time that works best for them.
Once an appointment is scheduled, residents must gather the necessary documentation to prove their identity, citizenship, and New York state residency. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
At the appointment, residents will be required to take a new photo and provide their signature. They will also need to pay a fee to obtain the enhanced driver’s license, which is currently $30 in addition to the regular driver’s license fee. The enhanced driver’s license is valid for eight years, just like a regular driver’s license.
The enhanced driver’s license looks similar to a regular driver’s license, but it has a gold star at the top right corner, indicating that it is REAL ID-compliant. This gold star signifies that the holder has provided the necessary documentation to prove their identity and residency, as required by federal law.
One of the main benefits of having an enhanced driver’s license is the convenience of using it for domestic air travel. Starting in October 2020, travelers will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight within the United States. This means that a regular driver’s license will no longer be accepted for air travel, and travelers without a REAL ID-compliant document may be turned away at the airport.
In addition to air travel, an enhanced driver’s license can also be used to enter federal buildings and military bases, making it a versatile form of identification for New York state residents. With identity theft and security concerns on the rise, having a secure and compliant form of identification is more important than ever.
For those who already have a valid New York state driver’s license, the process of upgrading to an enhanced driver’s license is relatively simple and straightforward. By following the steps outlined above and providing the necessary documentation, residents can obtain their enhanced driver’s license and enjoy the benefits of REAL ID-compliance.
Overall, getting an enhanced driver’s license in New York is a smart and convenient option for residents who want to have a secure form of identification that can be used for domestic air travel and other federal purposes. With the October 2020 deadline for REAL ID compliance quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to upgrade to an enhanced driver’s license and ensure that you are prepared for any future travel or identification needs.
