ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After repeated delays, the Real ID deadline is officially three months away. 


What You Need To Know

  • The Real ID deadline is May 7, 2025

  • You can check the DMV's website for a list of needed documents and make a DMV appointment

  • Residents must go to a DMV in person to obtain a Real ID

If you don’t have one, or an equivalent, you won’t be able to get on a plane, even if you are flying in the United States.

“Are you ready? And do you understand what Real ID is? Are you Real ID compliant?" asked New York State Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles Mark Schroeder.

Schroeder says the clock is ticking if your answer is no to any of those questions.

He has tips on what to look for.

“Take out your license. And if you don't have a flag or a star on it, you are not Real ID compliant," he said.

The Real ID licenses are being issued in every state as part of the national security effort.

Beginning May 7 of this year, everyone over the age of 18 must have a Real ID, driver's license, an enhanced license for New Yorkers or another acceptable form of I.D. — the most common being a passport.

“So TSA is currently working on a plan which is somehow in the Real ID phase with the understanding that enforcement will actually begin on May 7,” said TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

As for steps to take, residents can go on the Department of Motor Vehicles website to find out what documents they will need and make an appointment with the DMV to get their Real ID. It’s something that must be done in person.

“There are so many people who like doing transactions now online, but this is one that you can't. So, you need to come into the DMV office,” said Schroeder.

“That's one of the reasons why we want this to be an appointment-only process," said Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo. "You know, that you brought the documents in. You're able to go right through that faster appointment line, and then we're able to serve you."

Airline passengers added their thoughts.

“That’s another waste of my taxpayer money [and] your taxpayer money," said a man calling himself D.

“I just got my Real ID," Lauren Hider said. "It took me three hours and many lines. So, I did it just to have the ease of it. Even though I could travel with the passport. Fully compliant. I fly domestically a lot.”

DMV officials say it’ll take seven to ten days to receive your Real ID after your appointment, so keep that in mind when you are making travel plans and your DMV Real ID appointment.

“Now, if you do show up on May 7 without it, again, we're looking into phasing real ID enforcement, but there's a very good possibility that you will miss your flight,” said Farbstein.