Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already has a star at the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need an actual ID You will need to visit the DMV office and bring evidence of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that meets higher security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star in the upper-right corner, it's not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you wish to have one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining an Real ID in New York is relatively straightforward. First, you have to go to a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an ID with a valid photo as well as two other documents of residency, and a $28 fee (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 checked and a background check conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is important to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you'll require the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally as it is a more trustworthy method of identification. You'll need a passport or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying for the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. If they do not, they will be marked and will 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 to obtain a Real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. It will be required for air travel within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. You can identify a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner of your card. Cards that are not compliant do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that's in line 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 can't be used for air travel between these destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They must present an acceptable photo ID, proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but typically will include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency 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 get an actual ID?
The documents you'll need to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. There are a few essential things you should never forget to bring. registrierten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen of identification documentation. You should bring a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring a piece of documentation that proves you are a resident of New York. It could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the specifications. The requirements for a photo will vary depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply personally which means you'll have to go to either an DMV or partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see the complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
When you arrive at the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will allow you to 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 photograph and the card itself. The cost will be different when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting 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. 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 identity proofs or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the name that appears on your New York State ID or driver's license, you must provide evidence from a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long will it normally take to receive an Real ID card?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as easy as getting the letter in the mail that told you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal structures or military bases, now you require an enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals trying to counterfeit or alter 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 provide specific proof of identification to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online guide to documents that will assist you in understanding the documents you'll need when you visit the office to complete your application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public that includes the name and date of your birth and two documents proving your New York residency. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online documents. Boxes are not accepted).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a Veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. Check the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used to commit fraud.