Do you need a REAL ID? What to know
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Your Stories Team has received several questions about the REAL ID. Here are some of the questions and answers to help you understand who needs the REAL ID and who doesn't.
The answer is no. An enhanced license meets REAL ID requirements, which means if you have an enhanced license, you do not need a REAL ID. A REAL ID allows you to fly domestically. An enhanced license allows you to travel domestically and to Canada and Mexico.
The answer is no. A passport also meets REAL ID requirements, which means if you have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID. With the deadline approaching, the DMVs are busier than normal. Even though they're bulkier to carry, the Madison County Clerk suggested people who have passports use them to fly to avoid the long lines at the DMV.
To see what you would need to bring to the DMV to get your REAL ID, this link here will bring you to the New York State DMV website. If you click on the 'find out what documents you need' button, it will customize the documents you need specific to your situation.
If you are not flying or trying to enter a federal building on May 7, your day will not be impacted. For those who are taking to the skies, you will need a REAL ID or an enhanced license, or a passport to travel wherever you are going. If someone shows up on May 7 with an ID that is not REAL ID compliant, they should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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