Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID, you will have to visit an DMV office and present several evidence of identity and residency. Learn 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 meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to adhere to certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable, 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 does not have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you'll need to upgrade to get one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You will be required to provide proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency and the fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally, since it is a more reliable form of identification. This is also the case if you plan to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have a REAL ID or a valid passport before they can travel.
How do I get a 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 the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licenses and state identification card. Those that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and won't be allowed 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 Real IDs, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen will be required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you have valid passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold star in the top right corner of your card. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
For those who aren't in a position to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel on maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but are not valid to travel by air between those destinations.
Individuals must go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also have to bring an ID photo that is valid as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on the situation, but usually include the same evidence 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, or pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The specific documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on your situation. However, there are a few key things you should always be sure to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of proof that prove your identity. This can be something like a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you reside in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must have your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to take a picture that meets the specifications. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture which shows their face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, which means you'll need to go to an DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of an 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. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your date of birth 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 or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll need to bring in courtor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it take to get an Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as getting the letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. However, now if you want to fly or enter some federal buildings and bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or a driver's license with an enhanced version. The clock is ticking, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses, and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including bases for military personnel.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you to know what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another form of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two documents proving your New York residency. These can include bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll need a passport or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to get discounts on flights and assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. If you want an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and the documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These companies may use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, so you should not provide them with images.