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 else you need to do.
If you are in need of an actual ID You will need to visit a DMV office and bring evidence of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license 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 adhere to certain standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used to travel on air, for police, and other 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 have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. registrierten führerschein online kaufen to check whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID in New York is relatively simple. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to provide proof 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 the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have provided all the necessary documents and have paid your fees The secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID and it is approved, it will be branded as such on your document.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll need more than a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable type of identification, and you will require it with you in order to travel internationally. You'll require an ID card or passport to take 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 for an Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document check list, allows people to monitor 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 people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. These include online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. 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 the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards don't have a gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting 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 land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some 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 a Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also present a valid photo ID as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but usually will include one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship could be naturalization or birth certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will differ based on your situation. However, there are a few important things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You can bring a valid passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves that you are a resident of New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must have your current address -- P.O. This could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O.

Finally, be sure to provide a photo that is in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a photo will vary depending on the situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply personally and you'll need to visit either a DMV or partner office like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. You will pay different fees when 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'll also need 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 have 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 will have to present a courtor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long will it take to obtain a Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as getting the mailer that told you it was time to renew. Now, if are planning to fly or visit some federal buildings and bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules will make it harder for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter some federal facilities, like bases for military personnel.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide that will help you understand what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your application.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed 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 documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also require 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 your travel tickets as well as help in finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to find out how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. These companies may use your documents to serve fraudulent reasons, so do not send them images.