08-04-2025
Real ID deadline one month away
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) –Starting May 7th, a standard license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted to fly within the U.S.
Americans will have to have either a REAL ID or an enhanced ID. Both are different from a standard ID because they have emblems on them. Chemung County DMV Deputy Director Janice Farwell says having an Enhanced ID is an upgraded version of the real ID.
'The REAL ID will get you onto domestic flights within the US and into federal buildings. The Enhanced license does that and gets you to Canada, Mexico, some of the Caribbean by land or Sea,' said Farwell.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is urging New Yorkers to apply for a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID now to avoid the last minute rush.
'They should consider getting at least a REAL ID and come to the DMV in the morning or at least before three. we get really busy after three,' added Farwell.
If you don't get one of them by the May 7th deadline, you don't have to worry unless you are flying in the near future.
'That's fine. We can still do it after the deadline. They just may not have an approved federal ID to get on a domestic flight. So, if they plan on getting on a flight, they want to be sure they have it before then.'
Farwell says there is no additional fee for a REAL ID if you are renewing. There is a $30 extra fee to get an Enhanced ID. You can visit Enhanced or REAL ID | NY DMV for a list of documents needed in order to apply.
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