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. There is no need to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID You will need to visit a DMV office and bring several documents of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?

A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that meets higher security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to adhere to certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. registrierten führerschein kaufen of the act is to create a more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and to enter 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's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you want one. You can check whether or not your ID card is valid by clicking here.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is relatively simple. First, you must visit the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will need to provide proof of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an ID with a valid photo and two documents of residency, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents and have paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID and it is approved, it will be marked as an official document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you'll require it with you in order to travel to other countries. You'll require a passport or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and identify what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with 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 won't be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to get a Real ID, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant 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. Cards that aren't conforming do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they are not able to be used for air travel between these destinations.
Individuals must go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to carry a valid ID photo as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ according to the circumstance, but typically will include one document for each category. For example the proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be a utility bill, bank statement or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an actual ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. However, there are a few important things you must keep in mind to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of documentation that confirm your identity. You can carry a valid passport or driver's license or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. This can be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address - P.O. This can be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address -P.O. P.O.
Make sure you take a picture that meets the standards. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the circumstances, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person and you'll need to go to either the DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will need to pay a fee for the application, a photograph and the card itself. The cost will vary when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you will also have to show proof of your social security number. If you are 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 identity proof or lawful status Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a courtor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter that told you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, you require a REALID or 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 when it comes to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government says the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide which will help you understand what documents you need when you visit the office to complete your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or some other type of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two proofs of New York residency. These can include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online documents. Boxes aren't acceptable).
You'll need passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran you can add a special 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.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo document, check the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and what documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraudulent purposes.