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: Is it now required by law to have a REAL ID?

assistant: The new REAL ID is optional and is not needed for either being licensed to drive or to vote or register for voting

assistant: Have you decided that you do not wish to avail of a REAL ID?

user: No, I'm just curious as to whether it's the law or not

user: How do I go about getting a REAL ID?

assistant: You can apply for a REAL ID at any time. You need to go to a DMV office. You cannot avail of a REAL ID online, by phone or by way of mail

user: Are there any documents that are already REAL ID compliant?

assistant: The enhanced driver licenses, permits or non-driver IDs along with valid US Passports are already REAL ID compliant

user: How do I get a REAL ID if I have lost my Social Security Card?

assistant: If you have mislaid your Social Security Card, you must get a replacement card before applying for a REAL ID. Further information on how to get a duplicate card is available on the Social Security Administration website.

user: What if I don't want to get a REAL ID at this moment in time?

assistant: If you have decided not to get a REAL ID, please be advised that any license, permit or ID card issued after October 30, 2017 will be marked Not for Federal Purposes