Airport, TSA & DMV Unveil Real ID Countdown Clock

On Oct. 1, the Albany County Airport Authority and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled an airport Countdown Clock designed to alert air travelers to the federal requirement to obtain a Real ID which will be required for individuals to be able to fly domestically beginning Oct. 1, 2021.

"The Countdown clock will serve as a constant reminder to our air travelers that they must obtain a REAL ID by Oct. 1, 2021 in order to be able to board an aircraft at Albany International Airport," said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The last thing we want to see is travelers being denied access to their flight."

"The REAL ID Act provides an important change to drivers' licenses by setting standards for the issuance of this type of identification, thereby making these documents more reliable and secure," said Bart R. Johnson, federal security director for Upstate New York. He added, "It is imperative that people obtain their REAL ID compliant identifications now, because if they don't, they will not be allowed to board a plane."

The Airport's countdown clock is located at the TSA security checkpoint. It will count down the days, hours, minutes and seconds remaining before passengers will be required to present a Real ID to enable them to board an aircraft in the United States.

An Enhanced driver license and valid U.S. passport are already Real ID compliant and can be used to board a flight.

Real IDs can be obtained from local New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' offices and county operated offices in the Capital Region. The New York State Department of Motor vehicles is processing applications by appointment only. To obtain a Real ID an individual must provide:

• Proof of identity including full legal name

• Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number Ineligibility

• Proof of date of birth

• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.

• Proof of New York State Residency

Passed 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 from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.