As the May 7 deadline nears to apply for more secure state identification cards, the rush to heed advice from the Department of Motor Vehicles has prompted additional processing hours throughout each borough.

To that end, people over 18 will be able to process or renew cards on Saturdays.

The weekend day was added to the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. five-day business operations to accommodate a backlog of applications for driver’s licenses (including NYS Enhanced licenses), learner’s permits, and non-driver identification cards.

Select offices in NYC and Long Island will remain open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I’m encouraging all New Yorkers to make your appointment today,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV commissioner.

“We want every DMV visit to be one and done, whether you visit us on a Saturday or during the week.”

Reportedly, the extended resource provision has been extended through June 28.

The new NYS ID upgrades the card with the seal of a star or flag added to a photo card.

Reportedly better secured and offering added privileges, the Real ID will bolster confidence in employees of federal facilities.

The DMV’s call to action alerts contend that “all states, the District of Columbia, and five territories are Real ID compliant” by May.

According to the agency, from that date, the US Department of Homeland Security will require domestic and international passengers over 18 to present the upgraded document.

Congress approved a Real ID Act two decades ago after the 9/11 Commission petitioned to establish “minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.”

In addition to verification for travel, the new cards will enable residents to enter federal facilities.

With long lines meandering through the DMV daily, the weekend addition enables busy residents to visit select offices throughout the city and state.

Recently, during the New York International Auto Show, the DMV provided a mobile unit to process applications and renewals at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Real ID does not require additional fees for a standard license.

However, a $30 fee will be applied for Enhanced licenses.

The law requires customers to provide proof of residency, identity (birth certificate), passport, or government ID card.

Know that the new card will not be issued on the spot. Allow a two-week wait period. However, a temporary card must suffice until the new card arrives by mail.

Several New State Laws Will Take Effect in May

Not as topical as the DMV upgraded ID cards, laws regarding school safety, seat belt requirements on charter buses, reimbursements for veteran funerals, name changes for minors, and support for medically vulnerable youths will be revised by the end of this month. By the Safe Schools by Design Act, school districts must “incorporate design principles and strategies into their five-year plans for new construction or renovations to ensure they are creating safe, secure and healthy school environments.”

One of the most impacting changes relates to school-aged charter bus passengers.

The new law requires riders from eight years old to wear a seat belt.

Those who fail to comply may have to pay a $50 fine. Although a child may not be liable to cover the cost, a ticket will be issued to a parent or guardian responsible for the penalty.

In addition, the bus company could be liable if they do not provide visible, accessible, and functional seatbelts. A recourse to paying the penalty could win dismissal if proof is provided that the bus company is negligent in ensuring restraints for the youths.

Another revision to the law requires the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs to annually increase the maximum costs for burial and funeral reimbursements to veterans organizations.

The new law will now provide an increase in the rate of inflation.

“Presently, New York State reimburses veteran organizations at the value of $2,8000 in high-cost areas, which leaves families of deceased veterans struggling to pay for funerals,” the state Senate website reports.

Another new law will allow family courts to process name changes for children under 18.

In custody disputes, all parties must approve the court’s decision.

The law will prevent court filings in a single court rather than the current practice of a two-court filing system for a name change.

Healthcare is not ignored in the quest for improved living conditions in New York State.

A new law will allow medically vulnerable minors who are unable to live independently to now remain in pediatric specialized nursing facilities until the age of 36.

Medicaid will be required to cover the costs at the same rate as before the young client reached 21.

All these new laws were enacted by the state and were posted on the New York State’s web portal.

Catch You On The Inside!