AAA Western and Central New York is reminding travelers that new identification requirements are going into effect next month for travel within the U.S. Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID (or other acceptable form of ID like a passport) to board domestic flights. The REAL ID is a federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver identifications designed to help prevent fraudulent identification.

A REAL ID-compliant card will have one of the following markings on the upper or lower part of the card: a black star or a United States flag. If your card does not have one of these markings on it, then it is not REAL ID compliant and will not be accepted as valid identification for boarding commercial aircraft for domestic flights beginning May 7.

Aside from a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights include a valid U.S. passport book or card, a federally approved ID such as a NEXUS card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or non-driver ID, which is only available to U.S. citizens and is acceptable identification at U.S. land and sea borders for traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. A passport is still required for all international flights.

“Travel remains popular this year, and AAA is encouraging anyone who has domestic flights booked on or after May 7 to ensure they have proper identification and to secure REAL ID ahead of time,” said AAA Western and Central New York Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “While travelers can apply for a REAL ID at any time, airport security will turn away travelers without proper identification beginning May 7, and those travelers will not be allowed to board flights, which is the last thing you want to encounter at the airport.”

In addition to flying domestically, you will need a REAL ID to enter certain federal facilities that require identification, such as U.S. military bases.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional and not needed for the following: being licensed to drive, to vote or registering to vote, applying for or receiving federal benefits, accessing health or life insurance, law enforcement, constitutionally protected activities, participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations, and entering federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification.

A REAL ID or Enhanced Driver License must be obtained in person at a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) location. While there is no additional charge to obtain a REAL ID, there is a $30 charge on top of the normal transaction fees for the Enhanced Driver License, which can be used at some border crossings.

NYS DMV requires the following original documents to obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID:

• Proof of identity, such as a valid license, birth certificate or U.S. passport or card, with your full first, middle (if applicable) 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 valid NY license, permit or ID card, you must bring your original Social Security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you do not 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 inability to have a social security number.
• Proof of your date of birth, such as an original or certified copy of birth certificate.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the United States, such as a valid passport. However, eligibility will be determined after review of acceptable immigration documentation.
• Two different proofs of New York State residence, such as utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (a P.O. Box is not acceptable).
• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your proof of identity, lawful status and Social Security, you must bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change(s), such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption, or court-order document.
• All documents must be original or certified copies, photocopies or screen shots will not be accepted by NYS DMV.

Children under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly domestically, however, the adult traveling with them will need an acceptable form of identification.

If you have more questions about obtaining a REAL ID and the upcoming deadline, visit dmv.ny.gov.