Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you're REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing else you need to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, then you'll need to visit the DMV and bring with you numerous proofs of your 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 which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star in the upper right corner, then it is not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you need to visit the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need to submit proof of your identity, 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). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted your documents and paid your fees, your identity will be checked and a background check conducted by the secretary of state. 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 stated on your ID.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require a passport rather than a Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you will need to bring it with you to travel abroad. You'll require an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid those applying to obtain the Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that enables applicants to review the status of their application and identify what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. States that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and won't be able to use them for federal purposes, which includes taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options to obtain a real ID. This includes online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, 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 have an active passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold star in the top right corner of your card. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
For those who aren't able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but can't be used to fly between these destinations.
Individuals must go to the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present an acceptable photo ID as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their circumstances, but they should usually have the same evidence for each of the categories. For example evidence of US citizenship could 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 name and address on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The documents you'll have to submit to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. There are a few essential things you shouldn't forget to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of documentation that confirm your identity. This can be something like a valid driver's licence or passport or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves you live in New York. This can 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).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person which means you'll have to visit either a DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will get all the offices and their hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. eu führerschein kaufen will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You'll have to pay the application fee as well as the photo card. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence or converting a New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will be required to provide 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 that appears on your documents of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name that appears on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you will have to provide evidence from a court or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long does it typically take to receive a Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license required only a letter from the mail advising you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, then you'll need an enhanced driver's license. The clock is moving, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals who want to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including bases for military.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will walk you through what you need to have with you when you go to the office to fill in your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need a birth certificate or other form of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two documents proving your New York residency. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll require a passport or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you're an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This could allow you to qualify for discounts on airfare and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything else in terms of renewing. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and what documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used for fraudulent purposes.