REAL ID Set to Begin May 7; Rush Resulting in Longer DMV Wait Times in Saratoga

BALLSTON SPA — With the federal requirement of having a REAL ID to board domestic flights set to begin May 7, the Saratoga County DMVs have seen a 35% spike in foot traffic and increasing wait times for customers, according to the agency.

The May 7 deadline set by the federal Department of Homeland Security only relates to when “REAL ID-compliant” identification will be required to board planes flying within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings.

“If you plan to travel domestically by air in June or afterwards, you may want to consider delaying your visit to DMV until 45 to 60 days out to avoid the influx of customers and longer wait times currently being experienced,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner said in a statement. 

Hayner emphasized that the state-issued Standard Driver’s License and Standard Non-driver ID will remain a valid ID in New York State.

“If you don’t travel by air domestically or enter certain federal buildings where a REAL ID is required, you can continue to use your Standard Driver’s License/Non-driver ID. No need to upgrade,” he said. “You are not required to upgrade to a REAL ID. It is a personal choice.”

A U.S. passport also is a form of REAL ID and is good for domestic and international flights. Other forms of REAL ID that will be accepted to board a plane after May 7 can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.TSA.gov/id.

For those who need to visit the DMV, Hayner advises ensuring documents are ready when arriving for a smooth and efficient transaction. 

For more information about the forms of ID available through the DMV and what documents are required for each, go to https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.