Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing more you need to do.
If you are in need of an ID with a real name You will need to visit an DMV office and present several proofs 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 license or state identification card that is compliant with the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states adhere to certain standards in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create a more secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and to enter secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary 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 will need to upgrade to get one. You can check whether or not your credential is in compliance by clicking here.
The process of getting an Real ID in New York is fairly straightforward. First, you have to go to an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must submit proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture and two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid the 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, the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be stated on your ID.
It is crucial to remember that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you'll require the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, as it is a more trustworthy source of identification. You'll need an ID card or passport to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid those applying to obtain the Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and won't be able to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways to get Real IDs, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is in compliance with federal law. In May 2025, it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an active passport. You can tell if you have a Real ID by looking for a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Cards that aren't conforming do not have the gold star.
For those who aren't in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used to fly between these destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They must present a valid photo ID and evidence of US citizenship and state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but typically they will have one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.

What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. There are a few important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. You are able to bring a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves your residency in New York. fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must show your current address and address - P.O. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address -P.O. P.O.
Bring a photo in accordance with the requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the situation however, the majority of people have to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own and you'll need to go to either an DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and their hours on the DMV website.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. You will pay different fees for applying for a driver's license, renewing an existing license, or changing an existing 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. 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 you see on your proofs of identity, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must submit evidence issued by a judge or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a note in the post telling you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or enter certain federal structures or military bases, now you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's license. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it harder 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 to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification to DMV to meet federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you understand what documents you require when you go to the office to fill out 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 can include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either a passport or an official 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 can allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything else in terms of renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraud purposes.