Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's licence already has a star at the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you require a real ID then you will have to go to the DMV and bring along various proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that is compliant with higher security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain requirements for issuing or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. 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 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 is not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to get one. Click here to check whether your ID card is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting a Real ID in New York is quite simple. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You'll need proof of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a valid photo ID, two different documents of residency, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid your fees your identity will be verified and a background check will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID it will be noted on your document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. Passports are an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you will require it with you in order to travel abroad. This is also the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport before they can travel.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools that can help applicants navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that enables applicants to review the status of their application and identify 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 requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and won't be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers various options to apply for an authentic ID, such as online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's license, 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 unless you possess a valid passport. You can tell if you have 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 in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant 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 can't be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have 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 state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but typically will include one document for each category. For instance, proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while evidence of residency in the US 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 obtain a Real ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. However there are some important things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification proof. This could be an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must show your current address - P.O. This could be an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O.
Be sure to provide a photo that is in line with the standards. The exact requirements for a picture will vary based on the circumstances, but most people need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person, so you'll need to go to either a DMV or partner office, such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation before you visit the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photo, and the card itself. There are different fees to pay when applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license or converting the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also 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 proofs of identity or 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 proof issued by a court or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long will it normally take to get a Real ID card?
Until recently renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. However, now if you are planning to fly or visit some federal buildings and bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to get a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it harder for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or Enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will guide you through what you need to have with you when you go to the office to fill out your application.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes can't be used).
Based on your age, you'll also require either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you are a veteran, it is possible to add a designation to your license or ID which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This could enable you to receive discounts on flights and assistance with housing.
führerschein kaufen ohne vorkasse of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. If you want an enhanced or real photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for the cost and the types of documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraudulent purposes.