Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's licence already has an asterisk in the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID you must visit a DMV office and bring several evidence of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a true ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states adhere to certain standards for issuance or renewal of 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 for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of obtaining the Real ID in New York is relatively straightforward. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid your fees your identity will be checked and an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require a passport rather than a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, since it is a more trustworthy form of identification. This is also the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to fly.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying for a Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and identify 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 applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licenses and state identification card. 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 taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain an authentic ID, such as 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 unless you have an active passport. You can tell if you have a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but are not valid to fly between these destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit a DMV office in person. They will also need to present an acceptable photo ID, proof of US citizenship and state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but typically will include one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship could be naturalization or birth certificate, and proof of state residency could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. However, there are a few essential things you must keep in mind to bring. First, make sure you bring two forms of documentation that confirm your identity. You should carry a valid passport or driver's license, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you are a resident of New York. It could be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show 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 photograph will differ based on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you'll need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see all the offices and their hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you go to the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
legalen führerschein kaufen of the Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will differ if you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing an existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also be required 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 see on your proofs 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 licence, you must submit evidence issued by a judge or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a letter from the post telling you that it was time to renew. Now, if are planning to fly or visit certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's license with an enhanced version. It's not too late to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter some federal facilities, including bases for military personnel.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to present specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide which will assist you in understanding what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your paperwork.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These can include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Based on your age, you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get 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 when it comes to renewing. If you're interested in an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and the documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used to commit fraud.