Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star in the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, then you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a genuine ID?
A Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or an state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and for entry into 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 is not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade if you want one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is valid by clicking here.
The process of getting the Real ID in New York is fairly easy. First, you must visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID and two proofs of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted your documents and paid your fees your identity will be checked and a background check will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID and it is approved, it will be marked as the same on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need a passport rather than a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable form of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you to travel to other countries. This will also be the case when you wish to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to possess real ID or a valid passport in order to travel.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows people to track the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many 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. Anyone who does not meet the standards are tagged and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of ways to get Real IDs, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's licence, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is in compliance with federal law. In May 2025, it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify the RealID. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they are not able to be used on air travel between these destinations.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to bring a valid photo ID as well as evidence of US citizenship and state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but generally include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency can be a utility statement or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an actual ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. However, there are a few important things you must keep in mind to bring. führerschein kaufen deutschland of identification proof. You can carry a valid passport or driver's licence or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring a piece of documentation that proves your residence in New York. This can be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must show your current address (please note that P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be sure to take a picture that meets the standards. The exact requirements for a picture will differ based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can get a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you go to the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will differ when you apply for an entirely new driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also need to provide proof of your social security number. If you're applying for a Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will require verification of your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will need to bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get a Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your license required only a letter from the post telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, you require an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military.
You'll have to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV to meet federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide that will help you to know what documents you need when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or some other form of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two evidences of New York residency. This can be a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or printed online proof of identity. Boxes are not accepted).
Depending on your age, you'll also require either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your ID or license indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to qualify for discounts on airfare and help with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine the amount an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost, and what documents you need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not associated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraud purposes.