Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you're REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you require a REAL ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The goal of the act is to create a more secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and to enter secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, then it's not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. Click here to check whether your ID card is REAL ID-compliant.
The process to get an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You must provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be noted as such on your document.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you'll have to carry it with you in order to travel to other countries. This will also be the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to have a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly.
How do I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist those applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application as well as determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, such as the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various options to apply for a Real ID, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have a gold star.
For those who aren't able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel on maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but can't be used to fly between these destinations.
The applicants will have to go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They must bring a valid photo ID as well as proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact documents that are acceptable will depend on the situation, but typically they will have one document for each of the categories. For instance evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you're doing. However there are some essential things you must keep in mind to bring. First, make sure you bring two forms of documentation that confirm your identity. This could be a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove you live in New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Make sure you bring a photo that meets the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ based on the specific situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture that shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you go to the DMV. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence or changing an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you'll also need to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for a Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will need to confirm your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name on your proof of identity or lawful status Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will be required to submit a court applicationor a government-issued document that explains the events that led to the name change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as getting the letter which informed you that it was time to renew. However, now if you want to fly or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or an enhanced driver's license. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland 's not too late for you to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals who want to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or Enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will walk you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll need a birth certificate or other form of certified public record with your name and date of birth, as well as two proofs of New York residency. These can include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online documentation. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're an active veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets and help with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. Go to the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or Enhanced photo ID will cost, and the documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these sites are not associated with the DMV. These companies could utilize your documents for fraud purposes, so you should not provide them with images.