New York is now fully compliant with “Real ID” requirements meaning that you’ll need a Real ID or enhanced drivers license to fly domestically less than three years from now.
An enhanced driver license (also known as a passport card) eases your ability to travel in and out of the United States by land and sea, doubling as a driver's license and passport.
With it, no other documents are needed for proving citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. or any other of the following participating Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) countries, territories, and islands (by land or sea only):
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Bermuda
Boniare, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES)
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Dutch Caribbean
Grenada
Jamaica
Mexico
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Turks and Caicos
Enhanced Drivers License To Fly To Canada
Bear in mind that you cannot use an EDL for international air travel. Passports are still required for when flying to and from the U.S. You can, however, use an EID when flying domestically for boarding planes.
States Offering an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)
The following US states currently offer EDLs:
Michigan
New York
Vermont
Washington
Applying for an Enhanced Driver License
Applying for an enhanced driver license or enhanced ID is on a voluntary basis.
Requirements vary by state, but in all cases you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the state you're applying in. An EDL generally costs about $30 more than a regular driver's license, a considerable saving over a $130 passport. As an added bonus, it conveniently fits into the wallet.
To apply, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. In most situations, bring the same identification as you would when applying for a regular driver's license. Play it safe, however, and call your DMV before visiting for a complete list of needed documents.