Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has an asterisk in the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll need to visit the DMV and bring various proofs of identity and residency. Learn 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 meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It obliges states to comply with certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and to enter secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have gold stars in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can determine whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and required documents. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and a valid photo ID and two evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid your fees, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be stated on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you'll require a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will require it with you to travel internationally. This is also the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have a REAL ID or a valid passport in order to travel.
How do I get an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help applicants to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows people to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes people make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways to get an authentic ID, such as online, by 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 travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper 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 conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these destinations.
Individuals must go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to carry a valid ID photo and evidence of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but usually will include one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and proof of state residency could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs that have their name and address on it.
What do deutscher eu führerschein kaufen have to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The specific documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on your situation. There are some important things you should never forget to bring. First, you must bring two forms of documentation that prove your identity. You should present a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you reside in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must have your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photograph that shows their face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you will need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will differ when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will also need to provide proof of your social security number. If you're applying for an 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 have on your identity proof legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court applicationor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it take to obtain an Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a mailer that told you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, now you require an enhanced driver's licence. 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 licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID or Enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to present specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand the information you need to bring to bring to the office to fill in the paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll need either passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your license or ID that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost you, and what documents you require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraud purposes.