Latest news with #Koumjian
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Travelers urged to get REAL ID ahead of May 7 deadline
The Brief Starting May 7, travelers flying domestically must present a REAL ID, enhanced ID, or passport at airport security. Appointments at the DMV are in high demand, but new slots open daily and some offices will now operate on Saturdays. Required documents include proof of identity, legal presence, state residency, and Social Security number—originals or certified copies only. Representatives from the TSA, DMV, and Port Authority are reminding New Yorkers of the fast-approaching deadline to obtain a REAL ID. Starting May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID, enhanced ID, or passport to board domestic flights. Officials say demand is high, and appointments at DMV locations may be limited. What we know The federal REAL ID deadline is May 7. After that date, anyone flying domestically must show either a REAL ID, an enhanced ID, or a valid U.S. passport at airport security. TSA officials held a press event at LaGuardia Airport to get the word out on Thursday. "It's a good idea to get your REAL ID as soon as possible," said Tony Vero, the general manager of LaGuardia Airport. "Without it, you may face delays at security, which can affect not just your travel, but the flow of others as well." What you can do To get a REAL ID, you'll need to make an appointment at the DMV. Officials say that due to high demand, finding an open time slot can be difficult. "We have reservation slots opening up daily," said Lisa Koumjian, deputy commissioner of communications and customer service for the DMV. "So if you go on our website today and you don't see anything available, check back. We're adding new appointment times throughout the day." Applicants must bring documentation to prove: Identity Legal presence in the U.S. State residency Social Security number "They have to be originals or certified copies," Koumjian said. "And the biggest thing, like I mentioned, if you changed your name, you have to have documentation showing why you changed your name and every time you changed your name." What's next To speed up the process, the DMV is offering document pre-screening online. Applicants can upload their materials before their appointment. "We have staff standing by who will look at everything in advance of your appointment and let you know if it's all good," Koumjian added. "Then you know when you get there, you should be fine." Several DMV offices in the area will now be open on Saturdays starting this week to help process REAL ID applications ahead of the deadline.
CBS News
03-04-2025
- CBS News
Deadline to get a Real ID or Enhanced Driver's License is fast approaching. Here's what you need to know.
In just about a month, Americans will need a Real ID to go through airport security, or enter most federal buildings . As the May 7 deadline approaches, the final warnings to be ready are increasing. "About 43% of people in New York state who have a photo ID are already Real ID-compliant," said Lisa Koumjian of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Koumjian says that leaves millions of adults who might run into trouble when they try to board a flight on or after May 7. Getting a Real ID, which has a star in the corner, requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV. The same is true of an Enhanced Driver's License, or EDL, but it is only currently available In New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington. An EDL, which has an American flag in the corner, also covers all of the same travel requirements. Typically you'll need a valid ID, passport or birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number and date of birth, plus two items proving state residency to get either. A valid passport is an acceptable alternative, along with a handful of other documents, including a card from the "Global Entry" program. So the big question is what happens after May 7 if you show up at the airport and you don't have a compliant ID or passport? The Transportation Security Administration says that is still being worked out. "We'll inform them, next week, exactly what the process is gonna be," TSA Security Director John Essig said, adding if that also means some who are not yet Real ID-compliant may not be able to take their flight, "I can't even say. We'll let everyone know exactly what's gonna go on." Your best bet is to not wait around any longer. "I have to bring my passport with me, yeah, and then I have to look into the whole process of getting the Real ID, so that should be fun," said Giana Labanca, who was flying to Miami from LaGuardia Airport on Thursday. Traveler Deena Goidel offered some musical advice, singing "Get your ID right now, oh yeah!"
