Erie County Auto Bureau Honored for Leading New York State in REAL ID Compliance

County Clerk's Office Recognized for Strong REAL ID Compliance and More Than 481,000 REAL ID-Compliant Credentials Issued

Erie County, N.Y. - Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns accepted a proclamation recognizing the Erie County Auto Bureau for Erie County's strong REAL ID compliance rate and its continued efforts to help residents obtain federally compliant identification.

According to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles 2025 data, 62% of eligible Erie County residents are REAL ID-compliant, placing Erie County among the leaders in New York State. The statewide compliance rate is approximately 51%.

The proclamation was presented to Clerk Kearns at a recent meeting of the New York State County Clerks Association - Western Region by Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski, President of the Western Region, and Genesee County Clerk Michael T. Cianfrini, Vice President.

The Western Region is comprised of the County Clerks from Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties, providing an opportunity for County Clerks from across Western New York to work together on issues affecting county government, county clerk operations and the residents they serve.

Niagara County has also achieved a 62% REAL ID compliance rate, demonstrating the strong commitment to REAL ID compliance throughout Western New York. While the two counties share the same percentage, Erie County has a substantially larger population and, as a result, has assisted significantly more residents in obtaining REAL ID-compliant credentials.

Collectively, the County Clerks of the Western Region have issued 736,368 REAL ID and Enhanced compliant credentials, highlighting the tremendous effort being made throughout Western New York to help residents meet federal identification requirements.

In Erie County, residents have obtained:

• 423,598 REAL ID credentials
• 57,524 Enhanced credentials
• 289,566 Standard credentials

Combined, Erie County has issued 481,122 REAL ID and Enhanced compliant credentials, including REAL ID and Enhanced driver licenses and non-driver identification cards. By comparison, Niagara County has issued 110,183 REAL ID credentials in driver license and non-driver identification card formats.

Kearns said the recognition is a testament to the dedication of the Erie County Auto Bureau staff and their ongoing efforts to educate and assist residents.

"I proudly accepted this recognition on behalf of the fantastic team we have assembled at the Erie County Auto Bureau. This accomplishment belongs to them," said Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns. "Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving Erie County residents continues to make a difference every day. Congratulations to our Auto Bureau team-and thank you for representing Erie County so well."

Kearns also recognized the efforts of his fellow County Clerks across Western New York and New York State.

"It is especially meaningful to receive this recognition alongside Niagara County, which has also achieved an impressive 62% compliance rate," Kearns said. "These numbers demonstrate that County Clerks and their Auto Bureau teams across Western New York and throughout the state are doing an outstanding job helping residents understand and meet these federal requirements. We are proud of Erie County's accomplishments while also recognizing and applauding the tremendous work being done by our neighboring counties."

The REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 and established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and identification cards. In New York, a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card is identified by a star on the document.

As of May 7, 2025, adults 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant identification document or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, to board domestic commercial flights. REAL ID-compliant identification is also required for access to certain federal facilities.

A REAL ID is not required to drive, vote, receive federal benefits, or access hospitals and health clinics. New York residents may also use an Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced Non-Driver ID for federal identification purposes.

Residents who are unsure whether their current license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant can check for the star marking on their document or contact the Erie County Auto Bureau or New York State DMV for information about upgrading their credential.

"Whether someone is preparing for a family vacation, visiting a federal facility, or simply making sure their identification is up to date, our Auto Bureau team is here to help," Kearns added. "We want every Erie County resident who needs a REAL ID to have the information and assistance necessary to get one."