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 are REAL ID compliant and there's nothing more you need to do.
If you require a real ID, then you'll have to go to the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a true ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or state identification card that meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain standards for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The purpose of the law 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 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 is not REAL ID compliant, and you'll have to upgrade to obtain one. You can check whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to 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 and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
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 and the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be noted on your document.
It is important to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you'll require a passport instead of a Real ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally, since it is a more trustworthy source of identification. This is also the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have a REAL ID or a valid passport in order to travel.
How do I get a Real Identification?
registrierten führerschein kaufen is providing various online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows people to track the status of their application and determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be marked and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various options to get Real IDs, including via the internet, 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 fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an active passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold star in the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards are not able to display a gold star.
For those who aren't able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant 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 on flights between these countries.
Individuals must visit the DMV in person to obtain an Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present an acceptable photo ID and evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstance, but generally contain 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 bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The exact documents you have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. There are some important items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This can be something like a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you reside 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. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances. However, most people are required to take a clear photograph which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, and you will need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see all the offices and their operating hours.
Make a reservation prior to when you visit the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
The cost of an Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will vary when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will also have to show proof of your social security number. If you are applying for a 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 on your proof of identity, lawful status, and Social Security is not the identical to the name 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 led to the name change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Up until recently renewing your license was only a letter in the mail telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or go into certain federal structures or military bases, now you'll need an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to get a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals who want to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the information you need to bring with you when you go to the office to fill in your application.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you're a veteran you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on your travel tickets as well as help in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything else in regards to renewing. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent reasons, so do not send them images.