Mohawk Valley Times

Residents of New York State are reminded of the upcoming changes in identification requirements. The Delaware County Clerk's Office has issued a statement to clarify the distinctions between the REAL ID, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), and Standard License. These changes are crucial as they will affect domestic air travel and access to certain federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.

The REAL ID is a federally compliant form of identification necessary for domestic flights within the United States and entry into some federal facilities. To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security status, and two proofs of New York State residency. There is no extra charge for adding a REAL ID beyond standard transaction fees.

An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) serves as both a REAL ID-compliant document and allows land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without needing a passport. This option is available only to U.S. citizens who provide additional documentation during an in-person DMV visit. The EDL incurs an extra fee of $30 on top of other licensing fees.

A Standard License remains valid for driving and age verification but will not be accepted for domestic air travel or entry into specific federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

Applicants should ensure they provide appropriate documents when applying for these IDs. Two proofs of New York State residency are required for REAL ID or Enhanced documents. Acceptable documents include recent bank statements or pay stubs with the applicant's current address; however, documents listing P.O. Boxes or issued over one year ago will not be accepted.

Furthermore, only legal names can appear on these identifications; nicknames or abbreviated versions are not permitted unless supported by additional documentation such as marriage certificates or divorce decrees showing name changes.

For those lacking a Social Security Card, alternatives like W-2 forms or annual Social Security Statements may suffice.

Delaware County residents can visit local DMV offices in Delhi, Sidney, Deposit, or Margaretville for assistance. However, due to staffing issues effective March 24th, 2025, the Margaretville DMV office will temporarily halt issuing REAL IDs and EDLs until further notice. Residents needing these services should go to the Delhi DMV Office instead.

Non-residents should contact their respective county DMV offices as requirements may differ across counties in New York State.

"Residents are encouraged to check their current ID status and upgrade if necessary," according to information from local DMV officials who urge individuals to use official resources like dmv.ny.gov rather than third-party sites that might impose unnecessary charges.

For more details on obtaining these licenses or any related inquiries regarding motor vehicle services within Delaware County or elsewhere in New York State:

DEPOSIT DMV Office

3 Elm Street

Deposit NY 13754

Sidney DMV Office:

44 Grand Street

Sidney NY 13838

Delhi DMV:

1 Courthouse Sq., Suite 1

Delhi NY 13753

Margaretville DMV:

773 Main Street

Margaretville NY 12455

All offices operate Monday through Friday with varying hours for specific transactions; appointments may be necessary at some locations.