Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already has a star at the upper-right corner, then you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring along numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it obliges states to comply with certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used to travel on air, for police and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, it is not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you want one. Click here to check whether your ID card is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID in New York is relatively simple. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your fees, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will mail your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning to travel internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you will need to bring it with you in order to travel internationally. This will also be the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to possess real ID or a valid passport before they can fly.
How do I get a Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools that can help applicants navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and determine the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, such as taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers a range of options to obtain a real ID. These include online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess a valid passport. You can identify a Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on air travel between these destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to carry an ID photo that is valid and evidence of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ according to the circumstance, but typically include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, or pay stub that includes their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an ID that is genuine?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will vary depending on the circumstances. However there are a few important things you must be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. You can carry a valid passport or driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows you live in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must have your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Make sure you take a picture that meets the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photograph that clearly shows their face.
Once you have the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will prevent you from long waiting periods.
The cost of an Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will be different if you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you'll also have to show proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your date of birth and name with the Social Security Administration if you are applying for an Enhanced ID or Real ID driver's licence. If the name you have on your proof of identity, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as simple as getting the letter telling you it was time to renew. But now, if you are planning to fly or visit certain federal buildings or bases, you'll require a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late for you to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to provide specific proof of identification to DMV to meet 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 help you understand what you need to have to bring to the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or another form of certified public record with the name and date of birth and two evidences of New York residency. This could include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online documentation. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're an active veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your license or ID indicating that you served in the U.S. führerschein kaufen . This can allow you to receive discounts on flights and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything else in terms of renewing. Use fuhrerschein kaufen at the DMV to determine the amount a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used to commit fraud.