Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has an asterisk in the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you require a REAL ID, you will have to visit the DMV office and present several documents of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is a heightened security driver's licence or state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, requires that states meet certain standards for issuance or renewal of drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, then it's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. Check here to determine whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You must provide evidence of 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). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your fees The Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of state you will receive your new standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID the ID will be branded as an official document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you plan to travel internationally, you'll require an official passport, not a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you in order to travel internationally. 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 several online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying to get 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 conform with the law will be branded as such and won't be allowed to use them for federal purposes, including taking domestic flights, or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain a Real ID, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. It is required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you possess a valid passport. You can identify a Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
If you aren't in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also bring an ID with a valid photo and proof of US citizenship and state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstances but generally will include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency can be a utility statement or bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The documents you'll have to submit to the DMV will differ based on what you are doing. However there are some key things you should always be sure to bring. First, you must bring two forms of documentation that confirm your identity. You should carry a valid passport or driver's license, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves your residency in New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address and address - P.O. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -P.O. P.O.
Bring a picture that is in conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once fuehrerscheinn.com have all the required documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation before you visit the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
The cost of a Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will vary depending on whether you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you will also need to provide 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 you have on your proof of identity legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll need to bring in courtor government-issued proof of the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long will it normally take to receive a Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. However, now if you want to fly or enter some federal structures and bases, you'll require a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late for you to get an ID that is REAL.
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 such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to meet federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand the information you need to bring to bring to the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public that includes the name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or online documentation. Boxes are not acceptable.
Depending on your age, you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran you can add a special designation on your ID or license that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do any more when it comes to renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites, as they could be used to commit fraud.