New York Dept. of Motor Vehicles adds Saturday hours to 10 offices ahead of REAL ID deadline
With the May 7 federal REAL ID deadline just two months away, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is opening select New York City and Long Island offices on Saturday mornings to help more New Yorkers obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID.
“We want to make sure all New Yorkers are REAL ID compliant as soon as possible. That’s why beginning in April and continuing through June we will be opening 10 downstate locations on Saturday mornings for REAL ID processing,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder.
From April 5 to June 28, the following district offices will be open Saturday mornings between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. specifically for those who need to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID for the first time, or those who want to upgrade their current driver license, permit or non-driver ID to a REAL ID or Enhanced ID:
- Yonkers District Office
- Bronx District Office
- Harlem District Office
- Midtown District Office
- Richmond District Office
- Brooklyn Atlantic District Office
- Coney Island District Office
- College Point District Office
- Garden City District Office
- Medford District Office
Office locations and directions can be found on the DMV website, dmv.ny.gov. Anyone who wants to visit any of these offices on Saturday should make an appointment. Saturday appointments will start to become available on March 22, and more will be added on a rolling basis through June.
About the REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act will become enforceable starting May 7. The law will require everyone to show a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, passport or another form of federally compliant identification to board all domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities.
Passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the federal REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards.
How to Get a REAL ID
The law requires customers to bring certain documents to the DMV to prove who they are and to have a new photograph taken before their REAL ID or Enhanced ID can be issued.
Many DMV offices strongly encourage customers to make a reservation, which can be done online. To assist New Yorkers, the DMV has implemented several online tools, such as a document guideand an online application pre-screening process, to help them prepare.
DMV is also advising New Yorkers to avoid common mistakes that can stymie their REAL ID application, such as failing to provide proof of their full, legal name.
New Yorkers are encouraged to visit a DMV office to get a REAL ID even if their license, permit or non-driver ID is not yet due for renewal.
In addition to the REAL ID, which costs the same as renewing a standard license, the DMV offers an Enhanced ID for an additional $30 fee. This ID meets federal REAL ID standards and can be used as identification when returning to the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. A passport is also acceptable as a REAL ID-compliant document.
“I’m encouraging all New Yorkers to make your appointment today and to check out our online resources that can help you prepare your REAL ID application. We want every DMV visit to be a one and done, whether you visit us on a Saturday or during the week,” added Schroeder.
For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, visit Enhanced or REAL ID and watch DMV’s REAL ID instructional video on YouTube.
