The license upgrade fee has been waived, making it more affordable for drivers in the state of New York to obtain an Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL). As per Senate Bill S5914, the state will waive the $30 upgrade fee for all drivers who apply for the Enhanced Driver’s License within 30 days of receiving or renewing their Standard Driver’s License. The measure was put in place in the state to ease the financial barrier for residents transitioning to federally compliant identification in preparation for upcoming travel and security requirements.
Real ID versus Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
Drivers in the state need to recognize the difference between the two types of IDs to recognize which one suits the driver’s needs. The Real ID is said to be the federally compliant driver’s license, learner permit, or non-driver ID that meets all of the security and verification standards in place. The Real ID is easily recognizable by a black circle with a white star. The Real ID is well-recognized for boarding domestic flights within the U.S. and for entering certain federal facilities or military bases.
All misconceptions must be cleared that the Real ID replaces a passport. While the Real ID can be used for travel, it does not allow cross-border privileges. The Real ID does not carry any additional fee beyond that of the standard renewal and replacement costs.
When it comes to the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), more advantages are offered. The EDL is marked with a U.S. flag icon, complying with federal and WHIT standards. With the EDL, U.S. citizens can reenter the U.S. by sea and by land from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean nations without requiring a passport. Furthermore, it can be used as a federally acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.
Before the bill was passed, an additional payment of $30 was required for the EDL over and above the standard fees. This surcharge has now been waived in qualifying circumstances, making the process of upgrading much simpler.
Who will qualify for the EDL without payment?
To gain an EDL or a Real ID, citizens will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in person with verified documents to prove their identity. Documents such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of New York residency will need to be brought to DMV offices.
According to the new bill, to qualify for the EDL without payment:
- A driver will need to apply for an enhanced license within 30 days of being issued or reissued a standard license.
- If the request comes after a renewal, reissue, or replacement of a standard license.
The DMV will automatically assess the eligibility of applications when applications are processed. Drivers will have to meet all proof of identity, citizenship, and residency requirements required by the DMV. Citizens will, however, no longer need to pay extra enhancement costs if a citizen qualify within the 30-day window.
What does the law mean for enhanced driver’s licenses in the state?
Thousands of motorists can now gain access to their EDL more affordably in New York. Senate Bill S5914 was sponsored by Senator Andrew J. Lanza. As per the new law, the state will waive the $30 upgrade fee for all drivers who apply for their enhanced license within 30 days of receiving or renewing a standard driver’s license. New York is rewriting the speed signs as well as the EDL payment law.
Stepping forward towards greater requirements
Since the federal requirements for Real ID enforcement will get tighter this year, having no fee for EDL signals the commitment of New York to ensure residents transition smoothly and acquire their EDLs. The New York Senate Bill 5914 also aligns with the state’s goal of accountability and accessibility. Taking away the $30 surcharge means greater adoption of safer identification standards. New York is a state that cares, as the DMV even issued an alert for drivers to be careful with a car insurance issue.
