Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star in the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need a REAL ID, you will have to visit the DMV office and present several evidence of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks. It requires states to adhere to certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used to travel on air, for police, and other 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's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. Click here to check if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need proof of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as a valid photo ID as well as two other documents of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have submitted your documents and paid your fees, your identity will be verified and a background check will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require a passport rather than a Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable type of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you in order to travel to other countries. This is also the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have real ID or a valid passport in order to fly.
How do I obtain a Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help people navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. eu führerschein kaufen is an Youtube video that can help people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways to apply for Real IDs, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an active passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have a gold star.
If you are unable to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used for air travel between these destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They will also have to carry an ID photo that is valid, proof of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact documents that are acceptable will depend on their situation, but typically they will have one piece of evidence for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility invoice, bank statement, or pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The documents you'll have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you are doing. However there are some important things you must be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You can bring a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This could be a utility bill or bank statement (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. eu führerschein kaufen for a photograph will differ based on the situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and their hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
The cost of the Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will differ when you apply for an entirely new driver's license, renewing or renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you're 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 you see on your identity proofs or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide evidence from a court or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it typically take to receive an Real ID card?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a letter from the mail advising you it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, now you'll need an 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 meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to provide specific proof of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide that will assist you in understanding what documents you need when you visit the office to fill out 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. This could include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or printed online documents. Boxes can't be used).
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you're a Veteran, you can put a special designation on your license or ID that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets and help with finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do any more when it comes to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or Enhanced photo ID will cost, and the documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraud purposes.