New York drivers, we got good news for you! The state has decided to remove the $30 fee for obtaining or upgrading the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) This means people could apply for this license without paying an additional amount, as long as it’s done within 30 days after receiving or upgrading your standard driver’s license.
This change is part of the Senate Bill S5914, to make it easier and cheaper for New York residents to get federally approved identification. The goal is to help people prepare for new federal travel and security rules that will soon be required in the United States. So, let’s find out more about this change.
Real ID
Many people in New York don’t know the difference between a Real ID and an Enhanced Driver’s License. Both are types of identification that meet federal security standards, but they are not exactly the same.
The Real ID is a license or identification that matches federal safety standards. It’s very easy to notice it because of a black circle with a white star on it. With this document you can fly within the U.S. and enter certain federal buildings or military bases that require secure identification.
However, it’s important to know that the Real ID doesn’t replace a passport, it doesn’t allow you to cross borders to other countries. What’s more, the Real ID doesn’t cost more than a regular license, you just pay for common renewal or replacement costs.
Enhanced Driver’s License
On the other hand, we have the Enhanced Driver’s License which offers more benefits than the Real ID. This license has a symbol with the U.S. flag and matches federal and Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) standards. With the EDL you can:
- Reentering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean countries by land or sea — without a passport.
- Flying within the United States as a federally accepted form of identification.
Before this new law, obtaining an EDL cost $30 more on top of the regular price of the license. Now, in certain situations, this fee won’t be paid anymore. So, upgrading the license is simpler and more affordable.
Who can obtain the EDL without paying the fee?
To apply for an EDL or a Real ID you need to go to a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office in New York, and bring the following documents:
- A U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- A Social Security card.
- And proof of New York residency, such as bills or bank statements.
Who won’t have to pay the $30 fee? According to the new New York Senate Bill S5914, you qualify to get an EDL without paying the $30 upgrade fee if:
- You apply for the EDL within 30 days of getting or renewing your standard driver’s license.
- You request the EDL after renewing, replacing, or reissuing your current license.
The DMV will automatically check if you meet the requirement and, if everything is okay, you won’t have to pay the extra fee.
Why this law matters in New York
This change will help thousands of drivers in New York to get a safer ID without paying more money. The bill was introduced by Senator Andrew J. Lanza and signed into law to support residents during the transition to stricter federal ID rules.
By removing the $30 charge, the state hopes that more people will apply for an EDL and be ready for the new travel and security standards that will soon take effect nationwide.
Also, New York is continuously working on improving traffic rules and protecting drivers, like updating its speed limit laws and issuing safety alerts for car insurance.
What do you think about this new change? Is it New York doing a good job when it comes to traffic rules and protecting drivers?