Kearns reminds motorists of REAL ID deadline

REAL ID-compliant identification will be required beginning May 7, 2025, for all domestic flights

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is reminding motorists of the May 7, 2025, deadline to obtain an enhanced or REAL ID, for which you will need to board a flight within the U.S., or enter certain federal buildings including military bases, unless you have a valid U.S. passport or another federally accepted form of identification.

Kearns said, “The REAL ID process must be completed, in person, at any Erie County auto bureau. Our motor vehicle representatives will verify the authenticity and scan original or certified documents. We want the public to be ready. Do not delay the inevitable; review what original documents are required well before the May 7, 2025, deadline, which is exactly one year away. In our effort to make our customers visit quick and efficient, appointments are strongly encouraged.”

To apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or non-driver identification card, one must provide original or certified documentation that includes date of birth and full name, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised/embossed seal, or an unexpired permanent resident card. No photocopies can be accepted.

One must also provide a document that displays their current legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security number. If their name has changed in any way and different from proof of identity document, they must provide proof of a legal name change such as a certified marriage certificate, court order, or adoption decree issued by their county’s family court. Finally, one must provide two printed documents that show they are a current resident of New York state, such as a current, unexpired NY license or ID, rental or lease agreement, a credit card or bank statement, or a home utility bill, each with name and address.

“We also want the public to select the document is right for them as they do have a choice between an enhanced driver license (EDL), a REAL ID version, or simply maintain a standard ID or driver ‘s license,” Kearns said. “The EDL is the ‘super-sized’ REAL ID that also allows for cross-boarder travel between Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea.”

Only U.S. citizens who are residents of New York can obtain an enhanced New York state license. The additional fee for an enhanced driver licensed (EDL) or enhanced non-driver ID card (ENDID) is $30. The fee is added to the other fees for the driver license or non-driver ID transaction.

There is no additional cost to get a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID. All normal transaction fees still apply. Neither the REAL ID nor the enhanced versions can be used to fly internationally. All overseas flights to foreign countries do require a valid U.S. passport book.

Find out more about the REAL ID Act and review the list of acceptable documents required in order to meet the new compliance standard, or book an online appointment by visiting www.erie.gov/clerk. Those without internet access needing to make a reservation or require reasonable accommodations may call the clerk’s outreach center at 716-858-8864.