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Majority of New Yorkers now hold REAL IDs

More than 8.6 million people in the state have a REAL ID, says the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Lauren Hartley

May 8, 2026, 1:53 PM

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It has been one year since the federal government began requiring REAL IDs for domestic flights, and over half of eligible New Yorkers have obtained one.

More than 8.6 million people in the state have a REAL ID, says the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Four million Enhanced Licenses and almost four million REAL ID licenses have been issued. Both comply with the federal REAL ID Act.

You can still visit a DMV with the right paperwork to get your REAL ID. A passport can also stand in as your REAL ID.

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