Time Is Running Out To Get Your New State ID Card

Starting soon, U.S. residents won't be able to fly around the country unless their state ID is compliant with the REAL ID law. New York has begun issuing the new IDs, but it's important to know what to look for, and what these IDs mean for you.

Starting in October 2020, you won't be able to take domestic flights in the U.S. without a REAL ID (or passport). The law was passed by Congress in 2005 as a way to establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. New York has applied an extension on the law, and it is expected that it will be accepted, so residents have until 2020 to get the new IDs. The deadline was set by the Trump administration after the law was opposed by states under George W. Bush and not enforced under Barack Obama.

The REAL ID program is opposed by the ACLU, which says it is a thinly veiled attempt to create a national ID, and says it will allow the federal government to collect even more information on residents, as well as put an burden on state governments to issue the ID cards.

The REAL IDs don't look much different from a standard New York State driver's license, and the license itself doesn't have any new information. But in order to receive one, you have to go to the DMV and prove your identity, your New York residency, your lawful presence in the country and your Social Security status. Doing this gets you special star icon on your license, which means its REAL ID compliant.

The REAL ID will become mandatory for domestic flights, to enter military bases and other certain federal sites, but is not required to get a driver's license, voting or to receive federal benefits.

New York is currently offering REAL IDs, which do not cost extra to receive. However, you have to go to the DMV to get them. And you need the following:

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle and last name. This name will be displayed on your card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you have a New York State driver license or identification card, you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number. If you lost your Social Security Card, you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status and social security proofs, you must bring court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption or court order document.

New York also offers Enhanced IDs. These documents are REAL ID compliant and offer all the same benefits, and they additionally allow you to use them as ID to cross the border from Canada, Mexico and some Carribean countries without needing a passport. Enhanced IDs cost an additional $30.

Photo: New York State DMV