Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID then you will be required to visit the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a genuine ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or an state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it obliges states to comply with certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for travel, police and 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'll have to upgrade to obtain one. You can determine whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining the 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'll need evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an ID with a valid photo and two documents of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid your fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will mail your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be branded as an official document.
If führerschein kaufen legal planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel internationally. This is also the case if you plan to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to travel.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be marked as such and won't be allowed to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain a Real ID, including 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 complies 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-colored star on the card's upper right to identify a RealID. Cards that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot 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 have to bring an ID photo that is valid and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact documentation that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but usually include one piece of evidence for each category. For example evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while evidence of residency in the state could be an utility bill, a bank statement or pay stubs with their name and address on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will vary depending on your situation. There are a few important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring proof of residency that proves your residency in New York. This can be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must show your current address (please note that P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the circumstances. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that clearly shows their face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, which means you will need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will see the complete list of offices and hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You will need to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will vary depending on whether you are applying for the first time a driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
You will also be required to show 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 proof of identity, 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 caused the name change.
How long will it take to get a Real ID?
Prior to recently, renewing your license required only a letter from the mail telling you that it was time to renew. However, now if you are planning to fly or visit certain federal buildings or bases, you'll require a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID, or an Enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide that will help you to know what documents you require when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need a birth certificate or other form of certified public record with your name and date of birth and two documents proving your New York residency. This could include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online documents. Boxes aren't acceptable).
You'll require a passport or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything else when it comes to renewing. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and the documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not associated with the DMV. These companies could utilize your documents for fraud purposes, so you should not provide them with images.