Pictured are examples of standard, Real ID or enhanced ID available from the DMV. Someone who has an enhanced license doesn’t need to apply for a Real ID by the upcoming May 7 deadline.

The federal government’s push for U.S. citizens to get a Real ID driver’s license is causing some confusion for New Yorkers who already have an enhanced driver’s license.

According to Kerri Smith, the motor vehicle administrator for Chautauqua County, individuals who already have an enhanced license don’t need to apply for a Real ID.

Smith calls a Real ID a “basic” identification that is needed to both fly domestically and enter buildings, starting May 7.

However, an enhanced license allows U.S. citizens to do both of those items as well as enter certain countries, including Canada and Mexico, without a passport by land or sea.

“We’re seeing a lot of people coming in that already have an enhanced license and are trying to turn it in to get a Real ID, which they don’t need to do,” Smith explained.

A Real ID has a star on it in the upper right corner, while an Enhanced License has an American flag in the lower right corner. If there is no star or flag, the ID will need to be upgraded for domestic flights.

If a license is not upgraded, it is still valid; it just can’t be used for select purposes.

To upgrade to a Real ID, Smith said there is no fee if a person’s license is up for renewal. If a license is not up for renewal, the cost is $17.50.

For an enhanced license, it costs an additional $30, whether it’s at renewal time or not.

Visit www.dmv.ny.gov to see the online document guide for what document is required for a Real ID and for an enhanced driver’s license.

Smith said one of the biggest issues occur when an individual’s name has changed through marriage or some other reason. “You have to show the connection on how your name changed from birth to where it is now,” she said.

Since the federal government has been pushing the need for a Real ID, Smith said they’ve had a large increase of inquiries at the local level. Because of this, Smith recommends people act sooner than later if they do need to upgrade their licenses.

There are three DMV locations in Chautauqua County – 512 W. 3rd St., Jamestown; 3998 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk; and at the Hall Clothier Building, 7 N. Erie St., Mayville. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however the upgrading current licenses ends one hour before closing.

Once the paperwork is filed, Smith said a person should expect the upgraded license to come in the mail seven to 10 days later.