Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you're REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing more you have to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, then you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring with you numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
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, requires that states meet certain standards for issuing or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade to get one. Check here to determine if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of obtaining the Real ID in New York is fairly simple. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and required documents. You will be required to submit evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. echten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen or permanent residency, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid the fees The Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send you a new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is important to remember that if you intend on traveling internationally, you will need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust method of identification, and you will require it with you to travel abroad. This is also the case if you plan to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to have real ID or a valid passport to travel.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools that can help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows applicants to check the status of their application and determine the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their 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 is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options to obtain a Real ID. They can be obtained online or 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 compliant with federal law. In May 2025 it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an active passport. Look for a gold star on the card's top right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
For those who aren't able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel on maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but can't be used to fly between these destinations.
The applicants will have to visit the DMV in person to get an Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present an ID with a valid photo as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but typically include one document for each category. For example evidence of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs that have their name and address on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. However, there are a few key things you should always keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You should carry a valid passport or driver's license or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring proof of residency that proves you are a resident of New York. This can be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the requirements. The exact requirements for a picture will vary depending on the situation however, the majority of people have to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply personally and you'll need to visit either the DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV, be sure to make a reservation. This will help you avoid long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. You will pay different fees when applying for a driver's licence, renewing an existing license or changing the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also be required to show proof of your Social Security number. If you are applying for a 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 on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a courtor government-issued proof of the events that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your license required only a note in the mail advising you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, then you require an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is going by, but it's enough time 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 counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID, or an Enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
You'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV in order to satisfy 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 walk you through what you need to have with you when you go to the office to complete the paperwork.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. This can be bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes are not accepted).
Based 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 ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on airline tickets and help with 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 an enhanced or real photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to determine how much it will cost and the documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated 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.