What REAL ID means to you 
Beginning on October 1 , 2020 , the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight within the U.S., or enter military bases and certain federal facilities. Enhanced driver license, permit, or non - driver ID [1] and valid U.S. Passport are already REAL ID compliant and can be used to board a flight. Please visit www.dhs.gov [2] for more REAL ID information. 

The REAL ID Act 
Passed by Congress in 2005 , the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state - issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration TSA, from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. 

New York State DMV began issuing REAL ID licenses, permits, and ID cards on October 30, 2017 
You can get a REAL ID at any time , but you will need to go to a DMV Office. You cannot get a REAL ID online, by phone, or through mail. 

You MUST bring to the office the following original or certified proof documents: 
Proof of identity , such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle if applicable and last name. This name , as it appears on your proof of identity , will be displayed on your card as required by federal law. Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility. If you a valid NY license, permit or ID card , you must bring your original social security card or W-2 with full SSN. If you a New York State driver license or identification card , you must bring your Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration proving your ineligibility to have a social security number. If you lost your Social Security Card , you must get a duplicate before you come to the DMV. The Social Security Administration website has more information on obtaining a duplica

user: Yes I would like info on the cost of augmenting my driver's license.

assistant: There is no additional cost for getting a REAL ID and the normal transaction fees still apply.

assistant: Would you like to apply for an Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID Card?

user: Yes does that cost something?

assistant: For that there is an additional $ 30 fee.

user: What is an enhanced driver's license? Is it good for flying?

assistant: Yes an Enhanced driver license and valid U.S. Passport are already REAL ID compliant and can be used to board a flight.

user: If I want one what documentation do I need to show?

assistant: There is a guide that shows what proofs and how to obtain them. Would you like to find out about that?

user: Isn't a passport good enough to board a plane?

assistant: Yes it can be used for identification, boarding a plane for domestic and international flights, and also for entry into a federal building or military base.

user: So it's interchangeable with this Enhanced driver license?

assistant: Yes they are both REAL ID compliant and can be used to board a flight.

user: Do my kids need identification when they are travelling with me?

assistant: The TSA does not currently require children under 18 years old to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification though.