Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID-compliant and there is nothing further you need to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you'll need to visit the DMV and bring with you numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real 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 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain requirements for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a valid photo ID 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 required documents and paid the fees The secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be noted as the same on your document.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you will have to carry it with you in order to travel to other countries. This is also the case if you plan to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to fly.
How can I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist people in the application process for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows people to review the status of their application and decide what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and state identification cards. If they do not, they are tagged and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a range of options for people to get a Real ID. This includes online, over the phone, or in-person.
A Real ID is any 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 unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have a gold star.
If you are unable to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on air travel between these destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to present an ID with a valid photo as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each of the categories. For example evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stubs that have their address and name on it.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The documents you'll have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. However, there are a few essential things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. echten führerschein kaufen are able to present a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring a piece of documentation that proves your residence in New York. It could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be sure to provide a photo that is in line with the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ based on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture which shows their face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply to the DMV for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, and you will need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you go to the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will differ if you are applying for a new 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 on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll need to bring in courtor a government-issued document that explains the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
In the past renewal of your license was only a letter in the post telling you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, then you need an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of 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, like military bases.
knowing it 'll have to provide specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online guide to documents that will help you to know the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or some other type of certified public record with your name and date of your birth, as well as two documents proving your New York residency. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an ex-military 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 get discounts on flights 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're looking for an enhanced or real photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and the documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraudulent purposes.