If your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document.A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID that is required to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.) or enter certain federal buildings, unless you have a valid passport. The REAL ID ActPassed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits, and ID cards. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.A REAL ID is optional and is not needed for the following:Being licensed to driveVoting or registering to voteEntering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identificationApplying for or receiving Federal benefitsAccessing health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations Enhanced Photo DocumentIf you are a U.S. citizen and New York State resident, you can apply for a New York State Enhanced License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID that can be used instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. An Enhanced Photo Document is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.A New York State Enhanced Photo Document complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).We recommend you contact your travel agent, your cruise line, or the specific countries of destination to verify your travel document requirements, DMV is seeing an increase in fake websites that imitate the official DMV government website & its services. Links are often provided in a text or email by scammers trying to collect your personal information., DMV is seeing an increase in fake websites that imitate the official DMV government website & its services. Links are often provided in a text or email by scammers trying to collect your personal information..