Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already has a star at the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID You will need to visit an DMV office and bring proofs of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with 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 for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The aim of the act is to create more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you'll have to upgrade to get one. You can check whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get a 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 fill out your application along with required documents. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID and two proofs of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents and have paid the fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable type of identification, and you will need to bring it with you in order to travel to other countries. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland is also the case when you wish to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to possess a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly.
How do I obtain a Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that enables applicants to review the status of their application and decide the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes 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. Those that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and won't be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes taking domestic flights, or entering certain 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 a driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is in compliance with federal law. It will be required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you have an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not compliant do not have the gold star.

If you aren't capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit an DMV office in person. They should also bring an acceptable photo ID as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but usually include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state can be a utility statement, bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. There are some important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You can bring a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring a piece of documentation that proves your residency in New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address and 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 requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on your situation however, the majority of people have to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own, so you'll need to go to either a DMV or partner office, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will see the complete list of offices and hours of operation.
When you visit the DMV make sure to book a reservation. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll need to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. You will pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence or converting the New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you'll 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 proof of identity, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will need to bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get an Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail that told you it was time to renew. However, now if you are planning to fly or visit some federal structures and bases, you'll require a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late for you to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards with regard to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals to modify or counterfeit 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 to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide that 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 need birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public that includes the name and date of birth and two evidences of New York residency. These could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document depending 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 could qualify you for discounts on travel tickets as well as help in 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 find out 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 your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These companies could use your documents for fraudulent reasons, so do not provide them with images.