Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star in the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
For those who need an actual ID you must visit an DMV office and bring evidence 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 license 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 adhere to certain standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable and can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. Check here to determine whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need proof of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo and two proofs of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid your fees, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require an official passport, not a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, since it is a more secure form of identification. You'll need an ID card or passport to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows people to check on the status of their application as well as determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for a 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 that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as the boarding of domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various options to apply for a Real ID, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. It is required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you hold valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that aren't certified do not bear the gold star.
If you aren't in a position to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. deutschen führerschein legal kaufen are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these countries.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They must present an acceptable photo ID, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact documents that are acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have one piece of evidence for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state can be a utility statement or bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The exact documents you need to bring with you to the DMV will differ based on your situation. There are a few important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This could be an official driver's license or passport or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove you live in New York. It could be an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary based on the circumstances, but most people need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, which means you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV 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 times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's licence, renewing an existing license or changing a New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number. The DMV must verify your date of birth 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 that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long will it normally take to get an Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as receiving a mailer telling you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, then you require a REALID or enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it harder for criminals to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID, or an Enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
To be able to meet federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you understand the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or some other form of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two evidences of New York residency. This could include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to receive discounts on airfare as well as assistance with housing.
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 ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to determine how much it will cost and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraud purposes.