Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, then you'll need to visit the DMV and bring along several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a genuine ID?
Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or state identification card which 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 requirements for issuing or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used for air travel, police, and other government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star on the upper-right corner, it is not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can determine whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
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 will be required to submit evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
It is crucial to remember that if you plan on traveling internationally, you'll require the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally as it is a more secure form of identification. You'll need a passport or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get 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 checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be marked as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways for people to obtain an authentic ID, such as via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's license or permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess an authentic passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not compliant do not have the gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel on either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but can't be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to bring an ID photo with a valid validity and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but generally contain one document for each category. For instance evidence of US citizenship could be naturalization or birth certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will differ based on your situation. There are a few important things you shouldn't forget to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of proof that prove your identity. This can be something like a valid driver's licence or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a document that shows 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).
Make sure you take a picture that meets the specifications. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the situation. However, most people are required to take a clear picture that shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, and you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will get all the offices and their hours of operation.
When you arrive at the DMV make sure to reserve a seat. registrierten führerschein kaufen ohne anzahlung will prevent you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. It is necessary to pay 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 an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for a Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will require verification of your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name on your identity proof or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll have to present a courtor a government-issued document that explains the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to obtain an Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as getting the mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or go into certain federal structures or military bases, then you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to obtain a REAL ID.
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 counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV in order to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will walk you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill in the paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. These can include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or printed online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. 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 qualify you for discounts on flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything more when it comes to renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine the amount an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and the documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used to commit fraud.