Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you're real ID-compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you need a REAL ID then you will have to go to the DMV and bring along numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a 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 adhere to certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable, which can be used for travel, police, and other government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star in the upper-right corner, it is not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. Click here to check whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID in New York is fairly straightforward. First, you need to visit the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency and a valid ID photograph, two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents and have paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable type of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you to travel to other countries. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid those applying for the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. Those who do not comply will be marked and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options for individuals to obtain a Real ID. They can be obtained online, over the 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 fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an active passport. You can identify a Real ID by looking for a gold star in the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
For those who aren't capable of meeting the requirements for an Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used to fly between these destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to bring an ID photo that is valid, proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but typically they will have the same evidence for each of the categories. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. führerschein kaufen ohne vorkasse of residency in the state could be a utility invoice or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. However there are some essential things you must keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This can be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly 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 requirements. The requirements for a photograph will differ based on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that clearly 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, so you'll need to go to an 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.
When you visit the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long waiting periods.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photo, and the card itself. You'll have to pay different fees when applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence, or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also need to show 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 you see on your documents of identity, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide evidence issued by a judge or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your license required only a letter in the post telling you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, then you require a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. The clock is going by, but it's too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it harder for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, like bases for military personnel.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the information you need to bring with you when you go to the office to fill in your application.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub with your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. This could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stubs with your current address or printed online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a Veteran, you can include a specific designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more in regards to renewing. If you want a REAL or an Enhanced photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for the cost and the documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraudulent purposes.