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 have to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, then you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring along various 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 adhere to certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and to enter secure government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process of getting the Real ID in New York is quite easy. First, you must visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need evidence of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as a valid photo ID as well as two other documents of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all the required documents and paid your 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 and the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be marked as such on your document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will need to bring it with you in order to travel internationally. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist people in the application process to obtain the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options to obtain a real ID. They can be obtained online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. It is required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you're not able to meet all the requirements for the Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but can't be used for air travel between those destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit a DMV office in person. They will also need to carry an ID photo that is valid, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact documents that are acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have the same evidence for each of the categories. For instance, proof of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. There are a few essential things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You should bring a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you reside in New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must indicate your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in accordance with the requirements. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, and you will need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will get all the offices and their operating hours.
When you arrive at the DMV Be sure to make a reservation. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You'll need to pay a fee for the application, a photo, and the card itself. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license or changing a New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you are 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 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 will need to bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that led to the name change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
In the past renewing your license was only a note in the mail advising you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, you require an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits and identification cards. fuhrerschein kaufen that the new rules make it harder for criminals who want to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including bases for military personnel.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to meet the 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 documents you must bring to bring to the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or another form of certified public record with the name and date of birth, as well as two documents proving your New York residency. This can be a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes are not acceptable.
You'll require a passport or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you're a veteran you can include a specific designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Go to the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost, and what documents you require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies because they could be used for fraud purposes.