Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features an asterisk in the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you require a real ID then you will need to visit the DMV and bring with you numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create a more secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and to enter secure 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 is not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you want one. You can check whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get an 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 need to provide evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an acceptable photo ID, two different documents of residency, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of 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, the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you will require an official passport, not a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable type of identification, and you'll have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. This is also the case when you wish to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have real ID or a valid passport to fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying to obtain the Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document check list, allows people to monitor the status of their application as well as determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get a Real ID.
führerschein kaufen legal erfahrungen requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be branded as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, such as the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options to get a Real ID. This includes online or over the 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. In May 2025, it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an authentic passport. You can identify a 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.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they are not able to be used for air travel between these destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to present an ID with a valid photo as well as proof of US citizenship and state residency. The documents required will vary depending on the situation but typically include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state can be a utility statement or bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. However there are some key things you should always be sure to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of documentation that prove your identity. This could be a valid driver's licence or passport, or a birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring a piece of documentation that proves your residency in New York. This could be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display 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 picture will vary 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 all the required documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own and you'll need to go to either the DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV, be sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will be different when you apply for an entirely new driver's license, renewing or renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
You will also need to show 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 identity proof or lawful status 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 courtor a government-issued document that explains the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to obtain an Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your license required only a note in the mail telling you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, then you require a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards with regard to their permits, licenses, and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals to alter or counterfeit 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 some federal facilities, like bases for military personnel.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand the documents you must bring to bring 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 some other type of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two proofs of New York residency. This could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes can't be used).
Based on your age, you'll also require either a passport or an official immigration document. 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 allow you to get discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do any more when it comes to renewing. If you're looking for an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used to commit fraud.