Summer Travel Plans? Here's Why Upgrading To A REAL ID Is Crucial

Procrastination. Sometimes I think it's my middle name. You know, -"Ï will get to it...soon." I have learned over my many years on this planet that when someone tells me "soon", that probably means it's never gonna happen.

Anyway, one thing my wife and I need to stop doing is procrastinating about upgrading our New York State Driver's License to either a REAL or an Enhanced ID. We plan on traveling this summer, and need to check this off our list of things to do.

As you know, (or do you?) beginning May 7, 2025 (barring any more delays), if you want to fly domestically or enter certain government buildings, you will need to have a New York State REAL ID-compliant document.

Not sure what you currently have? Look at your driver's license. Does it have a star or a flag on it? The location is in the upper right-hand corner. If you see a star on your driver's license, you have a REAL ID license.

If you have a U.S. Flag on your driver's license, you have an enhanced license. That will allow you to board domestic flights in the U.S. and use as identification for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. Keep in mind, it is not for international air travel, and that includes Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean countries.

Of course, the NYS DMV notes that a REAL ID or Enhanced ID is not a requirement for:

Being licensed to drive
Voting or registering to vote
Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
Applying for or receiving Federal benefits
Accessing health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)
Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

For more information and how to apply, visit the New York State DMV website.