Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's licence or state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and to enter secure government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you'll need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted your documents and paid the fees Your identity will be verified. This is followed by a background check 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 standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be branded as the same on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend to travel internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally as it is a more reliable source of identification. You'll need an ID card or passport to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get an Real ID?

The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. 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 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 labeled as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, including the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a range of options to obtain a real ID. These include online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's license or 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 have valid passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that's in line 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 obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also bring a valid photo ID, proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each of the categories. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state can be a utility statement or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. However there are a few important things you must keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. This could be an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. This can be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must have your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a picture will vary based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, so you'll need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long wait times.
führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland of a Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You will have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence, or changing the New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also need to provide 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 verify your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you see on your documents of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must provide proof issued by a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it typically take to receive a Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license required only a letter in the mail advising you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or enter certain federal structures or military bases, you need an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards with regard to their permits, licenses, and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV to meet the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide that will help you to know the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need a birth certificate or other type of certified public record that includes the name and date of birth and two documents proving your New York residency. This could include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online documents. Boxes are not acceptable.
You'll need either passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a Veteran, you can add a special designation on your license or ID that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not associated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies because they could be used to commit fraud.