Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has a star in the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you are in need of an actual ID You will need to visit an DMV office and bring several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a genuine ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that meets higher security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain requirements for issuance or renewal of drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If related 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 in order to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process to get a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will need to provide evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID, two different proofs of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location by 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 you a new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be branded as such on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require a passport rather than a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust method of identification, and you will have to carry it with you in order to travel to other countries. You'll require an ID card or passport to board commercial flights in the United States.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help applicants to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and identify what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is a Youtube video that can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The DMV provides a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without a valid passport. You can identify the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have a gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they are not able to be used for air travel between these destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit a DMV office in person. registrierten führerschein kaufen ohne anzahlung must bring an ID with a valid photo as well as proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but generally 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 that have their address and name on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. However there are a few important things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You can bring a valid passport, driver's licence or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must have your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to take a picture that meets the standards. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own, so you'll need to visit either the DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will be different if you are applying for the first time a driver's license, renewing an existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your birth date 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 identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as 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 events that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail telling you it was time to renew. However, now if you are planning to fly or visit some federal structures and bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or a driver's license with an enhanced version. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to get your 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 regulations will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification 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 the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill out the paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or some other type of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. These can include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran you can add a special designation on your license or ID that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on travel tickets as well as help in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. If you want a REAL or an Enhanced photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for the cost and what documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not associated with the DMV. These companies may use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, therefore you should not provide them with images.