Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
A year before deadline, less than half of New Yorkers have Real IDs
By
Charles Lane
and
Elizabeth Shwe
Published May 8, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Yeong-Ung Yang/Newsday via Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
and
Elizabeth Shwe
Published May 8, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New Yorkers have one year left to get new, more secure identification cards required by the federal government.
In hopes of alleviating a potential crush of people flooding DMV offices statewide, Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder said he will deploy teams to airports, state parks and libraries to help people get the new IDs.
“I'm glad, quite frankly, that we have 365 days to go because we are going to continue to really let people know it's time to go into a DMV and get Real ID compliant,” Schroeder said in an interview.
According to Schroeder, only 7 million New York state residents have so far received the new IDs ahead of the May 7, 2025 deadline. The DMV created a guide to navigate the complex requirements for getting the new IDs. To apply, applicants need documents that prove their name, Social Security number and state of residence.
“Women with a name change, it seems like they have to bring everything but the kitchen sink in,” Schroeder said. “But we tell them what it is [they need] so that they can bring it.”
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress approved the Real ID Act, which aimed to make identification documents harder to forge by setting higher standards for the states that issue them. In effect, those without the new IDs will be barred from flying or entering government buildings. Those with US passports, however, can use them.
While New Yorkers can find a list of required documents on the DMV’s website, the documents must be inspected at a DMV office and not online. However, applicants can save trips to the DMV by having their documents pre-screened.
While many DMV offices require appointments to be made online, the DMV is deploying mobile units around the city and Long Island that do not require appointments.
Undocumented New Yorkers cannot apply for a Real ID, but will be able to fly and enter government buildings with other TSA approved identification such as border crossing cards or foreign issued passports.
Tagged
new york city
economy
Politics
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Elizabeth Shwe
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
News
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con
By
Jessica Gould
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .