James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
With the impending federal deadline for REAL ID compliance, the Chautauqua County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to handle increased numbers of residents seeking to upgrade their identification. The DMV will open its doors on select Saturdays specifically for REAL ID and Enhanced Driver License (EDL) upgrades.
The special Saturday hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at designated locations. On April 5, the Mayville DMV will offer these services, followed by the Jamestown DMV on April 12, and returning to the Mayville DMV on May 3.
Effective May 7, 2025, travelers within the United States or those entering secure federal buildings must show a REAL ID-compliant ID, which could be a REAL ID, EDL, or a valid U.S. passport. Residents can still obtain REAL ID after the deadline.
Kerri R. Smith, the Motor Vehicle Administrator for Chautauqua County DMV locations, emphasized the importance of getting ready ahead of the deadline: “We want to ensure that Chautauqua County residents are fully prepared before the deadline.”
Smith also addressed the common confusion between a REAL ID and an EDL. A REAL ID meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities but does not allow crossing U.S. borders. Meanwhile, the EDL functions as a REAL ID and permits land or sea entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations for an additional $30 fee.
The DMV recommends Chautauqua County residents to use the provided online tools to prepare necessary documentation beforehand, aiming to decrease waiting times and prevent processing issues. Smith remarked, “Our goal is to make the transition to REAL ID as smooth as possible.”
County residents can visit DMV locations in Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Mayville during weekday business hours. However, REAL ID processing stops one hour prior to closing due to the complexity of the required transactions.
Further information regarding identification requirements and processing times is available at the New York State DMV website.
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