Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner, then you're REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring various proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or an 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, demands that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create a more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and to enter secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to get one. You can determine whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
registrierten führerschein kaufen of getting a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with required documents. You'll need evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an ID with a valid photo as well as two other evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will verify 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, it will be marked as the same on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable method of identification, and you'll have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. This will also be the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport before they can travel.
How do I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools that can help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document checklist, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that will help applicants avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get a 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. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a range of options for people to obtain a real ID. These include online, over the 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 fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an authentic passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Cards that aren't certified do not bear the gold star.
If you're not able to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's license 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 flights between these destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also have to carry an ID photo with a valid validity as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstances but generally include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state could be a utility invoice, bank statement, or pay stub that includes their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an ID that is genuine?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you are doing. However, there are a few key things you should always be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You should carry a valid passport or driver's licence or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show 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 depending on the circumstances, but most people need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to go to the DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
The cost of a Real ID 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 depending on whether you are applying 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 mandatory documents, you will also need to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for an 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 that appears on your documents of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you must provide proof issued by a court or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as getting the letter telling you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal structures or military bases, now you require a REALID or enhanced driver's license. 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 states that the new rules make it harder for criminals to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, like bases for military.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will help you understand the information you need to bring to bring to the office to fill in the paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or some other document that is certified by the public with the name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If you are 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 can allow you to receive discounts on airfare and help with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. Use the calculator at the DMV to find out how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost, and the documents you'll need. There are some 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 for fraud purposes.