The U.S. government has officially implemented the “Real ID” driver’s license, with the deadline extended to May 7, 2025. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has set up temporary locations at the main branch of the Queens Public Library in New York City in June and July to facilitate the renewal of old New York State driver’s licenses to Real ID.
DMV will establish temporary application sites on the first floor of the Queens Public Library at Central on June 5, June 20, and July 10, with service hours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The library is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432.
The temporary Real ID application points at the Queens Public Library at Central on the above three days are the only temporary sites set up by DMV in “New York City” between May and September.
In addition to assisting in applying for Real ID, U.S. citizens can also apply for the “Enhanced ID.” The Enhanced ID, in addition to meeting the federal government requirements like Real ID, can also be used as a passport when returning to the U.S. from certain countries in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
The “Real ID” driver’s license cannot replace a passport for international travel, but it does ensure that you can board domestic flights within the U.S. without additional documents.
Around 11:00 a.m. on the 5th, our reporters visited the temporary site on the first floor of the Queens Public Library at Central set up by DMV, where there were already about 10 people waiting to process their IDs, with no need for phone appointments. However, the temporary site does not provide services in Chinese.
According to DMV’s announcement, the documents required for applying for Real ID include valid identity documents in the U.S. (such as work permits, green cards, etc.), social security documentation, and two proofs of address showing residency in New York State.
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Congress passed the “REAL ID Act” in 2005 to enhance security standards for driver’s licenses and other forms of identification presented at specific U.S. government facilities or when boarding.
Starting May 7, 2025, passengers aged 18 and above traveling on domestic flights in the U.S. who wish to present a driver’s license during security checks should provide security personnel with a license, proof of identity, or identification approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that complies with Real ID requirements.
For information on other locations where DMV has set up temporary sites in New York City to apply for Real ID and for more information, please visit the link: https://tinyurl.com/3h83pskj