Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has an asterisk in the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you'll need to visit the DMV and bring along numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or an state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and 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 identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have a standard 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. Click here to check if your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, registrierten führerschein kaufen ohne anzahlung must visit the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location 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 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 a REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll need an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable form of identification, and you will need to bring it with you in order to travel abroad. This is also the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport before they can fly.
How do I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows applicants to check the status of their application and decide what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. If they do not, they will be marked and will not be able to use their IDs for federal purposes. führerschein kaufen legal includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a range of options to obtain a real ID. These include online, 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. In May 2025, it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
For those who aren't capable of meeting the requirements for a 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 both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they are not able to be used on flights between these countries.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present a valid photo ID and proof of US citizenship and state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but usually will include one document for each category. The proof 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, or pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. However there are some essential things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This can be something like an official driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring a piece of documentation that proves your residence in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the specifications. The exact requirements for a picture will vary based on the circumstances, but most people need to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply personally and you'll need to go to either the DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will see all the offices and hours of operation.
If you are going to the DMV, be sure to reserve a seat. This will allow you to avoid long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You will need to pay for the application, a photo, and the card itself. There are different fees to pay for applying for a driver's licence, renewing an existing license or changing an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also be required to show proof of your Social Security number. If you're applying for an Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will require verification of your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you see on your documents of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the name that appears on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you will have to provide evidence issued by a judge or government documenting what caused the change.
How long will it take to get a Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail which informed 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 to obtain a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL 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 present specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill in your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public with your name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. This could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stubs with your current address or online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a veteran, it is possible to add a designation to your license or ID which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This can allow you to get discounts on airline tickets as well as assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. If you're looking for a REAL or an Enhanced photo document, check the DMV's online calculator for the cost and what documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used for fraud purposes.