Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already has a star in the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you require a real ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is an enhanced security driver's licence or state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and to enter secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, it's not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you want one. You can check whether or not your credential is valid by clicking here.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is fairly easy. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You must provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid the fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be stated on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend on traveling internationally, you'll need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable method of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you to travel abroad. This is also the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to travel.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that enables applicants to assess the status of their application and determine the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid the common mistakes people make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and will not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a real ID. These include online or over the phone or in-person.
A Real ID is any driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. In May 2025, it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an authentic passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these destinations.
The applicants will have to visit the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also have to bring an ID photo with a valid validity, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but generally include one document for each category. For instance evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while evidence of residency in the US 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 will have to submit to the DMV will differ based on what you're doing. There are a few essential items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You are able to present a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address (please note that P.O. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address --- P.O.
Be sure to take a picture that meets the specifications. The exact requirements for a photo will vary based on the situation However, most people will need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own and you'll need to go to either an DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see all the offices and their hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you arrive at the DMV. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. There are different fees to pay when applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing license or changing a New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you will also have 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 you have on your proof of identity 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 court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it usually take to get a Real ID card?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as simple as receiving a mailer that told you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, now you need an enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to get a REAL ID.

The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their licenses, permits, and identification cards. deutschen führerschein legal kaufen that the new rules make it harder for criminals who want to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, like military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your application.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to get discounts on airline tickets and assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything more in terms of renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and what documents you require. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraud purposes.