REAL ID-Compliant Identification Will be Required Beginning May 7, 2025
Erie County, NY – Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is reminding Erie County residents of the May 7, 2025 deadline to obtain an Enhanced or REAL ID compliant document, for which you will need in order to board any flight within the U.S., or enter certain federal buildings including military bases, unless you have a valid U.S. passport or another federally-accepted form of identification.
In an effort to assist residents meet this new standard, Kearns is bringing the Erie County Auto Bureau Mobile Unit to the Lackawanna Senior Center, located at 230 Martin Road in Lackawanna on Tuesday, March 18th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and hosted by Mayor Annette Iafallo. Motor Vehicle Representatives will be on site to issue REAL ID driver’s license or non-Driver Identification Cards, including Enhanced versions, for attendees who have their original proof documents that are required in order to obtain a REAL ID compliant document. No appointment is required for this event, walk-ins are welcome.
“We want the public to have as many opportunities as possible to obtain a New York State DMV issued document that is right for them, as they have a choice between an Enhanced Driver License (EDL), a REAL ID version, or simply maintain a Standard ID or Driver‘s License,” stated Kearns. “Real IDs will not be necessary to drive a vehicle, but not having the star or U.S. flag on your ID will prevent security issues or delays at airports. We want travelers to ‘Be REAL ID Ready’,” Kearns added.
There is no extra cost to get a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID other than the normal transaction fee. However, the Enhanced version is an additional $30 and allows for U.S. border travel by land or sea at both northern and southern borders. Neither the REAL ID nor the Enhanced versions can be used to fly internationally. All overseas flights to foreign countries do require a valid U.S. Passport book. This event is open to the public and nor reservation is required.
You can find out more about the REAL ID Act and review the list of acceptable documents required to meet the new compliance standard or book an on-line appointment by visiting erie.gov/clerk. Residents that have additional assistance or do not have access to the internet may call the Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.
