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: I came here with a few questions a bout getting a REAL ID. It'd be great if you could answer them for me.

assistant: Of course. A REAL ID is optional and is not needed for being licensed to drive or voting or registering to vote, for example.

assistant: Have you decided that you do not want a REAL ID or Enhanced document?

user: No, I really want one.

user: I recently married and my family name has changed. What if the name on my license doesn't match the name on my proofs?

assistant: If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court or government issued proof documenting the event causing your name change such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption or court order document.

user: I thought so. And what if I have a U.S. passport?

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

user: Great. The thing is, I'm currently 17 years old. Is there something I should consider while I'm under 18 years of age?

assistant: 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. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.