New York DMV adds Saturday hours to process REAL ID applications ahead of May deadline
Two Department of Motor Vehicles offices on Long Island will be open Saturdays to assist with REAL ID applications. Credit: NYSDMV
Beginning April 5, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will open 10 downstate regional offices on Saturdays, two on Long Island, to process REAL ID applications — the new, enhanced licenses that will soon be necessary if being used to travel on domestic flights.
The REAL ID Act becomes enforceable beginning May 7.
The new law will require air travelers to show a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, passport or other form of federally compliant identification in order to board all domestic flights — and, also, to enter certain federal facilities. The new ID cards will not be needed to be licensed to drive, to register to vote or to apply for or receive federal benefits.
The act was passed by Congress in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and it establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses, permits and ID cards.
The two Long Island regional offices that will open Saturdays to process REAL ID applications are at 400 Oak St. in Garden City and at 2799 Rte. 112 in Medford. These offices will be available Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. from April 5 to June 28 specifically to process the ID card applications — with customers being able to book appointments beginning March 22, according to the NYSDMV.
The fee for a REAL ID card is the same as the cost of renewing a standard New York State license, while an Enhanced ID card carries an additional $30 fee. The Enhanced ID cards are an acceptable form of ID when crossing land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.
If your license has a star emblazoned on it you already have a REAL ID — and need to do nothing. If your license is marked with a U.S. flag, you already have an Enhanced ID card — and, also, don't need to take any further action.
The DMV urged customers to make appointment reservations online to streamline the process and also advised them to access the online guide to learn which documents are needed for the application process.
"We want to make sure all New Yorkers are REAL ID compliant as soon as possible," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a statement, adding: "I’m encouraging all New Yorkers to make your appointment today and to check out our online resources that can help you prepare your REAL ID application. We want every DMV visit to be a one and done, whether you visit us on a Saturday or during the week."
Beginning April 5, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will open 10 downstate regional offices on Saturdays, two on Long Island, to process REAL ID applications — the new, enhanced licenses that will soon be necessary if being used to travel on domestic flights.
The REAL ID Act becomes enforceable beginning May 7.
The new law will require air travelers to show a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, passport or other form of federally compliant identification in order to board all domestic flights — and, also, to enter certain federal facilities. The new ID cards will not be needed to be licensed to drive, to register to vote or to apply for or receive federal benefits.
The act was passed by Congress in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and it establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses, permits and ID cards.
The two Long Island regional offices that will open Saturdays to process REAL ID applications are at 400 Oak St. in Garden City and at 2799 Rte. 112 in Medford. These offices will be available Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. from April 5 to June 28 specifically to process the ID card applications — with customers being able to book appointments beginning March 22, according to the NYSDMV.
The fee for a REAL ID card is the same as the cost of renewing a standard New York State license, while an Enhanced ID card carries an additional $30 fee. The Enhanced ID cards are an acceptable form of ID when crossing land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.
If your license has a star emblazoned on it you already have a REAL ID — and need to do nothing. If your license is marked with a U.S. flag, you already have an Enhanced ID card — and, also, don't need to take any further action.
The DMV urged customers to make appointment reservations online to streamline the process and also advised them to access the online guide to learn which documents are needed for the application process.
"We want to make sure all New Yorkers are REAL ID compliant as soon as possible," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a statement, adding: "I’m encouraging all New Yorkers to make your appointment today and to check out our online resources that can help you prepare your REAL ID application. We want every DMV visit to be a one and done, whether you visit us on a Saturday or during the week."
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
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