WASHINGTON DC – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the October 2020 deadline to obtain a REAL ID due to COVID-19.
DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said “Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security, as directed by President Donald J. Trump, is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline beyond the current October 1, 2020 deadline. I have determined that states require a twelve-month delay and that the new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021. DHS will publish a notice of the new deadline in the Federal Register in the coming days.”
New York State’s DMV offices were closed on March 23 due to COVID-19. To ensure there are no unintended consequences for New Yorkers who are not able to visit the DMV during the closure, any driver’s license, non-driver ID or registration set to expire on or after March 1, 2020, will be extended until further notice. The current 45-day temporary vehicle registration issued by auto dealers will also be extended. This extension does not apply to insurance coverage requirements. Motor Vehicle Liability insurance coverage must be maintained during this extension period.
More than 60 online transactions remain available to NYS DMV customers, including pleading or paying New York City traffic tickets, renewing a license or registration, ordering a custom plate, obtaining a driver record (abstract), changing an address, and much more. Customers can also return their license plates and complete many other transactions by mail.
