The Federal Government is expected to require that state driver’s licenses meet minimum security standards to board even domestic flights and cruises under the Real ID Act passed by Congress in 2005 based on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. The date for this has yet to be determined. So what does this mean for New Yorkers, well the news isn’t great.

New Yorkers looking to board a domestic flight or take a cruise next year could find themselves grounded unless they have driver’s licenses containing additional security data soon to be required by the federal government. New Yorkers will then have to hold an “enhanced driver’s license” embedded with passport-type data. Without an enhanced license or enhanced non-driver’s ID, travelers will need a passport, passport card, permanent residency card, birth certificate or one of a few other acceptable pieces of identification, in addition to their standard driver’s license, to fly, go on a cruise or to enter most federal buildings. A passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air.

That’s because the state has failed to comply with the minimum standards of the federal Real ID system, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, by not mandating these so-called enhanced licenses. The state contends it has complied because it makes enhanced licenses available to those who want them.

Governor Cuomo’s administration argues that because it offers enhanced licenses, the state meets the antiterrorism measures required under the Real ID program, without forcing the cost on New Yorkers who don’t want the enhanced license.

So when you go to renew your DL GET THE ENHANCED! Stay tuned to this blog spot for more information about this. As always, DRIVE SAFE!