WARNING: You’re Out of Time To Do This in New York

One of the best things about living in the United States is the typical American's ability to travel the nation largely hassle-free. Often, it's as easy as buying a plane or train ticket, hopping in the car, or jumping on the bus to embark on a fantastic voyage from sea to shining sea.

However, if you plan on traveling by air in the USA, time is truly running out to make sure you have the proper identification.

Just in case you missed it, in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, Congress passed a law in 2005 that changed the type of ID you can use when traveling at American airports.

WARNING: You're Out of Time To Do This in New York

Not only will you not be able to travel by air and access airports, but starting on May 7, 2025, you will also not be able to visit military bases or federal buildings without a REAL ID.

While the deadline to obtain your REAL ID has been extended several times, Federal officials have said it will not be extended again. So, millions of New Yorkers have around one month left to upgrade their ID or miss out on some things we take for granted.

New York State has made several efforts to make it easy for people to obtain a REAL ID, which is not that difficult. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles spells out the process. Empire State residents have a few options to ensure their ID meets federal standards.

• State residents can obtain an Enhanced Drivers License or State ID
  • This type of ID gives state residents who are also US Citizens benefits comparable to having a Passport. The Enhanced document can be used to travel to and from Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean countries by land or sea. It does not allow for international air travel but does qualify as a REAL ID.
• State residents can also get a REAL ID, which meets the federal law requirements but does not have international travel benefits like an enhanced document.

Overall, the process is pretty simple. You bring in the property documents either online or at a local DMV office, and a few minutes later, you leave with your REAL ID or Enhanced ID.

New Yorkers can also apply for a Passport or Passport Card from the US State Department.

The process of getting a passport is also pretty straightforward but takes a little longer to complete: 

• You complete the application and send it in with the proper documents;
  • Your Passport and the documents you sent to the State Department will be mailed to you.
• The US State Department has been holding special Passport Acceptance Fairs nationwide, where people can drop off their applications and documents in person.

The number one thing we can do is make sure we're prepared and not caught by surprise because May 7, 2025, will be here before you know it.