Starting Wednesday, travelers flying within the United States will be required to present a Real ID or another federally approved form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
For New York State residents, the options include either a Real ID or an enhanced driver’s license.
The enhanced license, which features a small American flag, also functions as a passport alternative for land and sea travel into Canada and Mexico.
With the deadline now just days away, DMV offices across the region — particularly in Clinton County — are seeing an influx of residents looking to upgrade their identification.
Deanna Rock, deputy county clerk at the Clinton County DMV, is encouraging those without immediate travel plans to delay their visit.
“If you don’t need it right now or you have a passport, don’t bother,” Rock said. “Wait it out because the frustration level of standing in line is crazy. Nobody likes to stand in line for two hours.”
To accommodate the increased demand, the Essex County DMV has temporarily extended its Tuesday hours, now staying open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Officials remind travelers that identification requirements vary by state, and anyone planning to fly should consult their state’s DMV website for specific guidance and documentation requirements.
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Long queues have been observed at North Country Department of Motor Vehicles offices as the Real ID compliance deadline approaches.
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