If you haven’t made an appointment to upgrade to a REAL ID in Monroe County yet, you’ll probably have to wait at least another six weeks.
New Yorkers are now required to add a REAL ID seal to their state-issued ID or driver’s license to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities as of May 7, 2025.
Here’s what to know.
Why is there such a long wait to make a REAL ID appointment?
To apply for a REAL ID in New York, you need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
However, all four DMV locations in Monroe County are currently not accepting any REAL ID appointments as the system books six weeks out for all types of appointments, including REAL ID, and there are currently more than 19,000 scheduled appointments over the next six weeks, according to Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo.
The appointment load can’t be increased either, Romeo says, in order for the county’s DMV locations to continue accepting walk-ins and supporting Monroe County’s Mobile DMV schedule.
The DMV accepts walk-ins. Can I apply for my REAL ID that way?
No, you can’t apply for your REAL ID or do onsite testing through a walk-in transaction, the county clerk said.
What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, established security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting IDs from states that don’t meet these standards, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Do you need a REAL ID if you have a passport?
No, if you have a current U.S. passport or another TSA-approved ID, you don’t need a REAL ID to travel domestically.
Do you need a REAL ID if you have an enhanced license?
No, if you have an Enhanced driver’s license, permit, or non-driver ID, you don’t need a REAL ID. In fact, an Enhanced license can also be used to cross U.S. borders by land or sea into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries.
What other documents can I use to fly?
Besides a U.S. passport or state-issued Enhanced driver’s license, other TSA-approved alternatives include:
How long will it take to receive my REAL ID after applying for it?
After submitting the required documents, expect to receive your REAL ID by mail within about two weeks.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Having trouble scheduling a REAL ID appointment? Here’s why
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
