Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID you must visit the DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It requires states to meet certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers licenses and identification cards. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is quite easy. The first step is to visit the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo and two evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your 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 and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally, as it is a more secure form of identification. This will also be the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have real ID or a valid passport before they can fly.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document checklist, allows applicants to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Those who do not comply are tagged and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain Real IDs, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant 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. You can recognize the Real ID by looking for a gold star on the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards are not able to display a gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel on either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also be required to bring an ID photo with a valid validity and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact documentation that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but typically they will have one document for each of the categories. For instance, proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while evidence of residency in the state could be a utility bill, bank statement or pay stubs with their name and address on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an ID that is genuine?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. However there are a few essential things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This could be something like an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you reside in New York. This can be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must show your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a picture that is in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a picture will differ based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply to the DMV for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own which means you'll have to go to either an DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see the complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
Make a reservation before you visit the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You will have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. You'll have to pay different fees for applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence, or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for an 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 you see on your identity proofs legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide evidence from a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it take to get an Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as getting the mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. However, now if you are planning to fly or visit some federal structures and military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. The clock is going by, but it's too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government says the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, like bases for military.
You'll need to provide specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo-document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide which will help you to know what documents you need when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
In führerschein kaufen in deutschland to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or some other type of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two proofs of New York residency. This could include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran you can put a special designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets and help with finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Check the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies because they could be used for fraud purposes.