Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner then you're REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing more you have to do.
If you are in need of an actual ID You will need to visit an DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is a security driver's license or an 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, demands that states adhere to certain standards for issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and for entry into secure 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 is not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can check whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You will be required to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid the fees your identity will be verified. This is followed by an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
It is crucial to remember that if you plan on traveling internationally, you will require an official passport, not a Real ID. Passports are an extremely reliable and durable type of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist applicants in completing their application for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows applicants to check on the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be marked and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to apply for Real IDs, including online, by 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. It is required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you're not in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used on air travel between these destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to bring an ID with a valid photo, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but generally contain one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization 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 bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The exact documents you need to bring with you to the DMV will differ based on your situation. There are a few essential items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You can carry a valid passport or driver's licence or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you reside in New York. It could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. This could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O.
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. 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 clearly shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, which means you will need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long wait periods.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You will have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will differ 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.
You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number. If you're applying for an 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 you have on your identity proof legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court applicationor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to apply for a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, such as 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.
You'll have to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will guide you through what you need to have to bring to the office to complete your application.

In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or some other form of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two documents proving your New York residency. This could include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online documentation. Boxes cannot be used).
You'll need either passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on your travel tickets as well as help in finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more in regards to renewing. If registrierten führerschein online kaufen interested in an enhanced or real photo document, check the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, therefore you should not send them images.