Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already has an asterisk in the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring along various proofs 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 the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain standards for issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and to enter secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not include a star in the upper-right corner, then it's not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade if you wish to have one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must provide proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, a valid ID photo and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid the fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be stated on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend to travel internationally, you will require a passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will need to bring it with you to travel to other countries. This is also the case if you plan to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport to travel.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows applicants to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Anyone who does not meet the standards are tagged and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options to obtain a Real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's licence, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. führerschein kaufen für 500 euro will be required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold star in the upper right corner of your card. Cards that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.
If you're not in a position to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on air travel between these countries.
The applicants will have to visit the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also have to bring an ID photo with a valid validity, proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but typically contain one document for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs 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'll have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. There are a few important things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. You should bring a valid passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring proof of residency that proves your residence in New York. This can be an utility bill or a 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 conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photo will differ based on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person, so you'll need to go to either an DMV or partner office, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV Be sure to book a reservation. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll have to pay the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will differ when you apply for an entirely new driver's license, renewing or renewing your 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 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 you have on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will be required to submit a court applicationor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license required only a note in the post telling you that it was time to renew. But now, if you want to fly or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's license with an enhanced version. The clock is going by, but it's too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards with regard to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide that will assist you in understanding what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your application.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. This could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stubs with your current address, or printed online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that proves you were in 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 may not need to do anything else in regards to renewing. Use the calculator at the DMV to find out how much an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and what documents you need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could utilize your documents for fraud purposes, so you should not send them images.