Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID compliant and there's nothing else you need to do.
If you require a real ID, then you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring with you several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or state identification card that meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and 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 does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to get one. You can check whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID as well as two other evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Finder.
After you have submitted your documents and paid the fees your identity will be verified and an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state and you are approved, you will receive a new DL/ID standard in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be noted as the same on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you'll require a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable type of identification, and you will require it with you to travel internationally. This is also the case when you wish to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly.
How do I get an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid those applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document check list, allows people to monitor the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a range of options for people to get a Real ID. These include 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. It will be required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you possess an active passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you aren't capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel on either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
Individuals must visit the DMV in person to obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also have to carry an ID photo with a valid validity as well as proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstances but typically contain one document for each category. For example evidence of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while evidence of residency in the state could be a utility bill, bank statement or pay stubs that have their address and name on it.
What documents 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 keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You can carry a valid passport or driver's license or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring a piece of documentation that proves you are a resident of New York. This can be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The specific requirements for a photograph will differ based on the circumstances However, most people will need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply personally which means you'll have to visit either a DMV or partner office, like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you visit the DMV. This will save you from long wait 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. The cost will differ depending on whether you are applying for an entirely new 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 are applying for an Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will need to confirm your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you see on your identity proofs legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you must submit evidence issued by a judge or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long will it normally take to receive a Real ID card?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as simple as receiving a mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's license. The clock is ticking, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it harder for criminals trying to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll have to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online guide to documents that will help you to know the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another form of certified public record that includes the name and date of birth and two documents proving your New York residency. This can be bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes can't be used).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If eu führerschein kaufen 're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything else when it comes to renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost you, and what documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, therefore you should not send them images.