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 have to do anything else.
If you are in need of an actual ID You will need to visit the DMV office and bring several evidence of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or state identification card that meets higher security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The goal of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and also to gain access to secure 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'll need to upgrade to obtain one. Check here to determine if your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting an 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 must provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork 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 by the Secretary of state, you will receive your new standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID, it will be noted as the same on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need a passport rather than a Real ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally as it is a more secure source of identification. You'll require a passport or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. If they do not, they will be marked and will 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 get an authentic ID, such as online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license or 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 possess an authentic passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to present a valid photo ID, proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but generally will include one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with their address and name on it.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will vary depending on your particular situation. However, there are a few important things you must be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This can be something like a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you reside in 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).

Finally, be sure to provide a photo that is in line with the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply to the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, and you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. You will pay different fees when applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license, or changing the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you'll also have to show proof of your social security number. If you're applying for a 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 on your proof of identity or lawful status Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court applicationor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as easy as getting the letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. But now, if you would like to fly or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late for you to obtain a 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 claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals trying to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, or pay stub with your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Based on your age, you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If registrierten führerschein online kaufen '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 qualify you for discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more in terms of renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost, and the documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used to commit fraud.