NY Residents Can Obtain Real ID and Enhanced ID Applications Digitally Pre-Screened

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today that New Yorkers can now get their application for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID digitally pre-screened prior to visiting the DMV. Customers who take advantage of this option will know whether they have all the required paperwork and verification documents they need to successfully complete their transaction, before ever stepping foot in the DMV, and will save time when they get there.

This new pre-screen option is available to customers who complete their transaction at a DMV office in New York City, on Long Island, or in Westchester, Albany, Rockland and Onondaga counties. Additional offices throughout the state will also be offering the service starting this fall.

“We want customers who come to DMV to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID to be successful the first time and avoid coming back because they were missing something or did not fill out the paperwork properly,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “This new process gives New Yorkers confidence that they have everything they need; and if there are mistakes or missing documents, our helpful staff will let them know what corrections to make or what additional paperwork they need. With the deadline fast approaching, I urge all New Yorkers who want to have a REAL ID by May 3 to act now so they can avoid a last-minute rush.”

New Yorkers can get their REAL ID or Enhanced ID applications pre-screened by visiting the DMV website. Before beginning the process, we recommend that customers complete the DMV Document Guide to find out what they will need to have handy and ready to upload during the pre-screening process. Once they know what they need, customers should gather the required documents listed on the document guide checklist.

After submitting an application for pre-screening, customers will receive an email with instructions to fix any errors and next steps. Once an application is approved, we will alert the customer to schedule their in-person visit at a participating DMV location on a date and time that is convenient for them.

DMV Innovation Center

The DMV developed this new digital pre-screening process at its newly opened Innovation Center in Albany. This location was created as part of the DMV’s transformation effort, and it is designed as a place to test innovative customer service products and transactions.

The Innovation Center is located at 6 Empire State Plaza in Albany, in Core 3 of the Swan Street Building. It is open to the public, but reservations are strongly encouraged.  REAL ID transactions are among the services offered. Customers can also visit the Innovation Center to renew a CDL, get a CDL after passing the CDL road test, change information on a photo document, get a non-driver ID, and register and get plates for a vehicle.

Federal REAL ID Act Requirements

Starting May 3, 2023, a standard license or non-driver ID will not be accepted to fly within the U.S. The federal REAL ID Act will require all domestic air travelers to have a REAL ID compliant driver license, permit, ID card or Passport to get through security and board the plane. An Enhanced ID is REAL ID-compliant and can also be used instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean.

The federal REAL ID Act requires customers applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID to visit a DMV office to prove who they are and to have a new photograph taken. Many DMV offices require customers to make a reservation, which customers can do online at dmv.ny.gov/offices/.

DMV has issued guidance to help customers avoid the top 5 most common mistakes people make when getting a REAL ID. One of the important reminders is to provide documentation if your name has changed.

For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, visit dmv.ny.gov/REALID and watch the DMV’s REALID informational videos on YouTube.

To learn more about the NYS DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.