REAL ID Requirement Now in Effect For Domestic Flights or Entry to Federal Buildings

Today, May 7th, is the official start of the REAL ID requirement. Beginning today if you plan to travel domestically via plane or enter a federal building, you will need a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, Passport or another form of identification that is federally compliant; a regular license will not be accepted.

The REAL ID regulation was originally passed by Congress in 2005 as a response to the September 11th attacks. According to the DMV, the federal REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards. The law requires customers to bring certain documents to the DMV to prove who they are and to have a new photograph taken before their REAL ID can be issued. 

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is still encouraging all New Yorkers to visit their local DMV Office to get a REAL ID. For Cortland County, that is located at 112 River Street in Cortland.

To make it easier for you in obtaining a REAL ID when updating your standard ID, bring the following items with you to the DMV.

• Certified birth certificate (raised seal, signed by registrar) or passport
• Proof of Social Security number (Social Security Card, 1099 or a W-2)
• Your current license
• Documents that allowed for name change since birth (Marriage license, divorce, court documents; all copies must be certified)
• Sufficient proof of address; a PO Box will not be accepted (Bank statements, utility bills are the most common forms)

Appointments may be made online for the Cortland County DMV. You may do this by clicking HERE.