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: Hi, I got the news that the New York State DMV started issuing REAL ID licenses, permits, and ID cards on October 30, 2017. How do I get mine?

assistant: You can get a REAL ID at any time, but you must go to a DMV office. You cannot obtain a REAL ID online, by phone, or by mail.

assistant: do you want to know what documents should be included

user: no thanks

user: Why should I acquire the real ID?

assistant: Effective October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your REAL ID, driver's license, permit, or ID card to comply with REAL ID if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight within the US. Or enter military bases and certain federal facilities.

user: and what documents do you require?

assistant: Proof of identity, such as a valid license, birth certificate, or passport, with your full name, middle name if applicable, and last name. This name,

user: can I apply for an improved driver's license?

assistant: If you want to apply for an improved driver's license or an improved identification card, there is an additional fee of $ 30

user: And does a normal one have any cost?

assistant: There is no additional cost to obtain a REAL ID. All normal transaction fees still apply.

user: Do you have a website that I can visit?

assistant: Visit www.dhs.gov for more REAL ID information.