How do I know if I have a REAL ID?

One year from today, May 7, 2025, all New Yorkers will be required to have a REAL ID to board a domestic flight and access certain federal facilities.

There are now several types of identification: standard, REAL ID and enhanced. REAL ID will allow you to access flights within the United States and enhanced will allow you to enter Canada without a passport.

Here’s how to know which one you have:

-If you have a star in the corner of your ID card, you have a REAL ID.

-If you have a flag around, it’s an enhanced ID.

If you own either of these, you’re good to go for 2025, as both are compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. But if you’re not yet up to date, you might consider making an appointment at the nearest DMV if you don’t have a passport and want to take a flight in the United States or go to Canada.

“We must not rush. You don’t want to be rushed. You don’t want to do this the day before you visit your grandparents in Fort Lauderdale. You want to do it now,” said Mark Schroeder, the state DMV commissioner.

According to the commissioner, more than 15 million New Yorkers have a license, and about 7 million have an enhanced or REAL ID card.

The Department of Motor Vehicles said it was being proactive in informing people of the change. They have employees who go to all 13 New York airports and talk with passengers to make sure they are aware of the upcoming change.

“We’re trying to do everything we can because the last thing we really want is for a family to be disappointed that they can’t go somewhere just because they don’t know,” Schroeder said .

On the New York State DMV website, a complete list of ways to use a REAL ID or Enhanced ID is available, to help you decide which ID is best for individuals and which documents are needed during a DMV appointment.