Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already has a star in the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need an actual ID you must visit a DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The purpose of the law 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 your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star on the upper-right corner, it's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you want one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process to get 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 will be required to submit proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence with a valid ID picture 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 Finder.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid the 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 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 an official document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require more than a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel abroad. You'll need 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 several online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document check list, allows applicants to check on the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that can help people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. States that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, which includes taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of ways for people to obtain a Real ID, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's licence, 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 have a valid passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. echten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance 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 countries.
Individuals must go to the DMV in person to obtain an Real ID, or enhanced document. They must bring a valid photo ID as well as 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 the same evidence for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility invoice or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to obtain an ID that is genuine?
The documents you'll need to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. However, there are a few essential things you must be sure to bring. First, be sure to bring two pieces of proof that confirm your identity. This can be something like an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove you live in New York. This can be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display 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 requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you will need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will see a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will vary when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing or renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also need to provide proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your birth date and name with the Social Security Administration if you are applying for an Enhanced ID or Real ID driver's licence. If the name you have 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 have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it typically take to get a Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. Now, if would like to fly or enter some federal buildings and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will walk you through the information you need to bring to bring to the office to complete your application.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with your current address or printed online documents (documents with P.O. This could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If you're an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This could enable you to get discounts on airline tickets as well as assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. If you're looking for an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to see the cost and the types of documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used for fraud purposes.