Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you are real ID-compliant and there is nothing further you have to do.
If you require a real ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
Real ID is a security driver's license or state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks. It requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and for entry into secure 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 obtain one. Check here to determine whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining an Real ID in New York is relatively simple. The first step is to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and required documents. You must provide proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency 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 nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid the fees The secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State and you are approved, you will receive a new DL/ID standard in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be noted as an official document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require more than a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you to travel internationally. You'll require a passport or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help applicants navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows applicants to check on the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and identification cards. If they do not, they are tagged and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in-person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. It will be required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you hold a valid passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that aren't 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 license or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these countries.
Individuals will need to go to the DMV in person to get an Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present an ID with a valid photo, proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstances but typically include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state can be a utility statement or bank statement, as well as a pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. There are a few essential items you must not forget to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of proof that confirm your identity. You should present a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. führerschein kaufen ohne vorkasse could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Make sure you bring a photo that meets the standards. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the 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 at the DMV for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will see the complete list of offices and their operating hours.
When you visit the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will allow you to avoid long wait times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence or changing a New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also have to show proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your birth date and name with the Social Security Administration if you are applying for an enhanced ID or Real ID driver's licence. If the name that appears on your documents of identity, 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 submit evidence from a court or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
Up until recently renewing your license was only a letter from the mail telling you it was time to renew. Now, if want to fly or enter some federal buildings and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. The clock is ticking, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it more difficult for criminals who want to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID, or an Enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo-document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you require when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need a birth certificate or other type of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two proofs of New York residency. These can include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes aren't acceptable).

Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an active 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 enable you to get discounts on airfare and assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more in regards to renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to find out how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost you, and the documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, so you should not send them images.