Monroe County Clerk warns travelers of next year’s REAL ID deadline

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In one year, US travelers will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight — and Monroe County is reminding residents of the deadline.

The federal mandate for REAL IDs came out after 9/11 to set new minimum security standards for IDs to get on a plane. The deadline has been pushed back a few times.

Starting May 2025, your regular license won’t get you through security. You will need an upgraded ID (whether REAL ID or Enhanced) or a passport.

“I know that this has been a deadline that’s moved several times since 2020, I believe this is my third press conference here at the airport talking about this but the TSA has told us that May 7th, 2025 is going to be that day when everyone needs to have a real ID in order to board that domestic flight, or potentially enter a federal space, enter a military base.”

REAL IDs will not get you into Canada or Mexico. You would need an enhanced ID or a passport.

For more information head to the NYS DMV or U.S. Department of Homeland Security .

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