Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features an asterisk in the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID You will need to visit a DMV office and present several 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 licence or state identification card that is compliant with the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and also to gain access to 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 will need to upgrade your credential if you would like one. Click here to check if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.

The process for obtaining 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 the required documents. You must submit evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and the fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest 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 an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state, you will receive your new DL/ID standard in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be marked as such on your document.
If führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally as it is a more secure source of identification. This is also the case if you plan to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to possess real ID or a valid passport to fly.
How can I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application for the Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows people to review the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways for people to obtain an authentic ID, such as online, by 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 a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display a gold star.
If you aren't able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit an DMV office in person. They must present a valid photo ID and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact documentation that is acceptable will depend on the situation, but typically they will have one document for each category. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility invoice or bank statement, as well as a pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will vary depending on your particular situation. There are some important things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This could be a valid driver's license or passport or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows you live in 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. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -P.O. P.O.
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will vary depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photograph that clearly shows their face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply to the DMV for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own and you'll need to visit either the DMV or partner office like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
When you arrive at the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photograph and the card itself. The cost will vary depending on whether you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also be required to show 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 on your identity proof legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court application- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a letter in the mail advising you it was time to renew. Now, if would like to fly or enter some federal structures and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it harder for criminals trying to alter or counterfeit 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 to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV 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 guide you through what you need to have with you when you go to the office to fill out your application.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub with your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. This could include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or printed online documents. Boxes cannot be used).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to qualify for discounts on airline tickets and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do any more in regards to renewing. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, so you should not send them images.