One year from today on 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 several types of ID now available: standard, REAL ID and enhanced. REAL ID will get you on flights within the United States and enhanced allows you entry to Canada without a passport.

Here's how to know which one you have:

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

-If you have a flag in the corner, that’s an enhanced ID.

If you have either of those, you’re good to go for 2025 as both are compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. But, if you aren’t up to date yet, you might consider making an appointment at your nearest DMV if you don’t have a passport and you want to take a flight within the U.S. or go to Canada. 

“You don’t want to rush. You don’t want to be in a hurry. You don’t want to do this the day before you’re going to visit your grandparents in Fort Lauderdale. You want to do this now,” said Mark Schroeder, the commissioner of the state DMV.

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

The Department of Motor Vehicles said they are being proactive about informing people about the change. They have employees heading to New York’s 13 airports and talking to passengers, making sure they know about the change that is coming.

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

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