Need a real ID? NY DMV adds Saturday appointment slots—See the full list here
Starting in April, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles is offering Saturday appointments at select locations to help residents obtain a Real ID before the May 2025 deadline for domestic flights.
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making it easier for citizens to obtain a Real ID by extending hours at specific sites. Beginning in April and continuing through June, 10 downstate DMV offices will open on Saturday mornings to accommodate more applicants. This initiative comes as the deadline for U.S. travelers to obtain an ID to board domestic flights approaches, set for May 7. With just a few months left before the new travel rules are enforced, the DMV is encouraging all New Yorkers to schedule appointments and prepare for their virtual applications.
DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized the urgency, stating, “We want to make sure all New Yorkers are REAL ID compliant as soon as possible.” This extended timetable will provide more flexibility for locals looking to secure a Real ID, even if their current driver’s license or non-driver document is not up for renewal.
What are the requirements and costs for verified identification?
To apply for a Real ID, New Yorkers must provide specific documents, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and validation of residency. A new photograph will be required, and entrants should be aware of common mistakes, such as not providing the correct papers or missing details like their full legal name.
A secure identification card costs the same as a standard driver’s license renewal. However, for an additional $30 fee, New York offers an Enhanced ID that meets federal Real ID standards and can be used when re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries.
With the deadline fast approaching, it's critical that residents secure their federally compliant ID ahead of time to avoid delays when traveling domestically.
- What are the Saturday hours, locations, and appointment details?
From April 5 through June 28, select DMV spots will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Real ID applications. Appointments will be available for both first-time applicants and those looking to upgrade their existing IDs. The following 10 places will be participating in this program:
- Yonkers District Office - 1 Larkin Plaza, Yonkers
- Bronx District Office - 696 East Fordham Road, Bronx
- Harlem District Office - 5 West 125th Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
- Midtown District Office - 366 West 31st Street, Manhattan
- Richmond District Office - 1775 South Ave., Staten Island
- Brooklyn Atlantic District Office - 625 Atlantic Ave., 2nd Floor, Brooklyn
- Coney Island District Office - 2875 W. 8th Street, Brooklyn
- College Point District Office - 30-56 Whitestone Expressway, Queens
- Garden City District Office - 400 Oak St., Nassau County
- Medford District Office - 2799 Route 112, Suite 1, Suffolk County