With only two more days until the deadline, it turns out New Yorkers don’t actually need a REAL ID to fly after May 7th—they’ll just need an Enhanced Driver’s License.
A REAL ID and an Enhanced ID are two separate forms of identification. However, both IDs meet federal security standards under the REAL ID Act. Moreover, an Enhanced ID is a REAL ID-compliant document for five U.S. states, including New York.
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses can replace REAL IDs in these U.S. states:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington
Enhanced Driver’s License are only accepted in five U.S. states because they are currently only offered in those specific states. The decision to offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses is at the state level.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans to expand the states offering Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. Travelers in all other states must have a REAL ID or a different REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight after May 7th, 2025.
However, if you’re conflicted on which ID to get, there’s some key differences to consider. Firstly, Enhanced Driver’s License are $30 more than a REAL ID. Secondly the advantage of an Enhanced Driver’s License is that it allows border crossings by land or sea (not air) into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. So if you’re a frequent traveler to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, an Enhanced Driver’s License could make more sense for your specific situation.
Don’t be afraid if your Enhanced Driver’s License does not have the star marking like a REAL ID. Most Enhanced Driver’s Licenses do not have one and they will still be accepted.
If you end up choosing a REAL ID, you’ll just need to present your passport when crossing the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. Those traveling to the aforementioned destinations via air will need their passport regardless if they have an Enhanced Driver’s License.
For those without a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant document after May 7th, be prepared to be turned away at security.