The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is just two weeks away. By May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A valid passport qualifies, but if you don’t have one, a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card is required.
For many New Yorkers, that usually means making an appointment and spending hours at the DMV — a tough ask for anyone juggling work and family responsibilities. But there’s a convenient alternative: the New York Auto Show. And no appointment is needed.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has a mobile booth at the auto show, which runs through Sunday at the Jacob Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side. You can get your REAL ID processed on-site — without a reservation.
You will need a ticket to the show, which costs $22 per person, or $20 with the discount code “RIDE.”
Once inside, head to the second level of the Javits Center and look for the DMV booth. It’s number NC1.
The process can take up to an hour — but it’s far more efficient than spending an entire day at the DMV. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some of the newest cars on the market while you wait.
What You Need to Bring to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID at the Auto Show, you must bring original documents that prove the following:
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Example: Valid U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- Social Security status
- Example: Social Security card or a W-2 with your full SSN
- Two proofs of New York State residency
- Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (must be dated within the last 90 days)
- Lawful status in the United States
- Example: U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other immigration documents
- Name change documents (if your current name differs from your birth certificate)
- Example: Marriage certificate, court order
All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies or scanned documents will not be accepted.
For the most up-to-date information on documentation, consult the DMV’s Document Guide here.