Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you are REAL ID compliant and there's nothing more you need to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and present several evidence of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or state identification card that meets federal 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 standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable and can be used to travel on air, for law enforcement and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star in the upper right corner, then it's not REALID-compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you wish to have one. Click here to check whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting an Real ID in New York is fairly straightforward. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You'll need proof of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo and two evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid your fees, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. registrierten führerschein kaufen ohne anzahlung are required to travel internationally, as it is a more secure form of identification. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document checklist, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to apply for an authentic ID, such as online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without a valid passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards don't have 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 enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they can't be used for air travel between those destinations.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to acquire an Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present an ID with a valid photo, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but usually include the same evidence for each category. For example evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The documents you will need to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. There are some important items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like a valid driver's licence, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. This can be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in accordance with the requirements. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see the complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
If you are going to the DMV, be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You will have to pay the application fee as well as the photo card. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license or changing an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also need to provide 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 that appears on your proofs of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must submit evidence issued by a judge or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail telling you it was time to renew. Now, if want to fly or enter some federal buildings and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards with regard to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it more difficult for criminals to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online guide to documents that will assist you in understanding what documents you require when you go to the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another type of certified public record with the name and date of your birth, as well as two proofs of New York residency. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If you are a veteran, it is possible to add a special designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to get discounts on airfare and help with housing.
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 the documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could utilize your documents for fraud reasons, so do not provide them with images.