Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already has a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need a REAL ID you must visit the DMV office and bring several documents of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a genuine ID?
Real ID is a heightened 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 obliges states to comply with certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create a more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and for entry into secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining a Real ID in New York is fairly simple. First, you must visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence and a valid ID photograph, two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid the fees your identity will be verified and a background check will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be marked as such on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will need to have a passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you will require it with you in order to travel to other countries. You'll need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.

How do I get an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools to help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that enables applicants to check the status of their application and decide what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. 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 meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain an authentic ID, such as via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Cards that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.
If you aren't able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or 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 some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also have to carry an ID photo that is valid, proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but generally will include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The specific documents you will have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. There are some important items you must not forget to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of proof that prove your identity. This can be something like a valid driver's licence or passport or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves your residence in New York. This can be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address (please note that P.O. This can be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O.
Bring a photo that is in accordance with the requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary based on the circumstances, but most people need to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply personally and you'll need to visit either the DMV or a partner office, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will see the complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will prevent you from long waiting periods.
The cost of a Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photo, and the card itself. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's license, renewing an existing license or changing the New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
führerschein kaufen legal erfahrungen will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number. If you are applying for an Real ID driver's license or an enhanced ID, the DMV will need to verify your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you have on your proof of identity 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 will have to present a courtor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as simple as getting the letter in the mail telling you it was time to renew. But now, if you would like to fly or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or an enhanced driver's license. The clock is going by, but it's too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says that the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military personnel.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of your identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand what you need to have to bring to the office to complete the paperwork.
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. This can be a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes are not accepted).
You'll need passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you are a veteran, it is possible to add a special designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to get discounts on airfare and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require any more in terms of renewing. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine the amount an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and the documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, therefore you should not provide them with images.