Kearns Reminds Motorists of REAL ID Deadline

REAL ID-Compliant Identification Will be Required Beginning May 7, 2025 for All Domestic Flights

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is reminding motorists of the May 7, 2025 deadline to obtain an enhanced or REAL ID, for which you will need to board a flight within the U.S., or enter certain federal buildings including military bases, unless you have a valid U.S. passport or another federally-accepted form of identification.

Kearns said, “The REAL ID process must be completed, in person, at any Erie County Auto Bureau. Our Motor Vehicle Representatives will verify the authenticity and scan original or certified documents. We want the public to be ready. Do not delay the inevitable, review what original documents are required well be fore the May 7, 2025 deadline, which is exactly one year away. In our effort to make our customers visit quick and efficient, appointments are strongly encouraged.”

To apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or non-driver identification card, you must provide original or certified documentation that includes your date of birth and full name, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised/ embossed seal, or an unexpired permanent resident card. No photo copies can be accepted.

You must also provide a document that displays your current legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security number. If your name has changed in any way and different from your proof of identity document, you must provide proof of a legal name change such as a certified marriage certificate, court order, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court.

Finally, you must provide two printed documents that show that you are a current resident of New York State, such as a current, unexpired NY license or ID, rental or lease agreement, a credit card or bank statement, or a home utility bill, each with name and address.

“We also want the public to select the document is right for them as they do have a choice between an Enhanced Driver Li cense (EDL), a REAL ID version, or simply maintain a Standard ID or Driver ‘s Li cense,” stated Kearns. “The EDL is the ‘super-sized’ REAL ID that also allows for cross boarder travel between Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries by land or sea.”

Only U.S. Citizens who are residents of New York can obtain an Enhanced New York State license. The additional fee for an enhanced driver licensed (EDL) or enhanced non-driver ID card (ENDID) is $30.00. The fee is added to the other fees for the driver license or non-driver ID transaction.

There is no additional cost to get a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID. All normal transaction fees still apply. Nei ther the REAL ID nor the Enhanced ver sions can be used to fly internationally. All overseas flights to foreign countries do require a valid U.S. Passport book.

Find out more about the REAL ID Act and review the list of acceptable documents required in order to meet the new compliance standard or book an on-line appointment by visiting www.erie.gov/clerk. Those without internet access needing to make a reservation or require reasonable accommodations may call the Clerk’s Out reach center at 716-858-8864.