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're real ID-compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring along numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Learn more 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 was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks. It obliges states to comply with certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure that can be used to travel on air, for police and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can check whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is relatively simple. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with required documents. You will be required to submit proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency and the fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted your documents and paid your fees, your identity will be verified. This is followed by a background check conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID it will be stated on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will require a passport instead of a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally as it is a more reliable source of identification. You'll need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain 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 the tools is a customized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and identify what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and 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, such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options for people to obtain a real ID. This includes online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's licence, 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 without an authentic passport. Look for a gold star in the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have the gold star.
If you aren't capable of meeting 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 for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They must present a valid photo ID as well as proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but generally include one document for each category. For instance evidence of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with their name and address on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an actual ID?
The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will differ depending on your situation. There are a few important items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You should carry a valid passport or driver's license or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring proof of residency that proves your residence in New York. This can be a utility bill or bank statement (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be führerschein ohne prüfung legal to provide a photo that is in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photograph will differ based on the specific situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you'll need to go to the DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing license, or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you will also have to show proof of your social security number. If you're applying for an Real ID driver's license or an enhanced ID, the DMV will need to confirm your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you have on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will be required to submit a court applicationor a government-issued document that explains the events that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get a Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. But now, if you are planning to fly or visit certain federal buildings or bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. The clock is going by, but it's too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit 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, including bases for military.
To be able to meet federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide that will assist you in understanding what documents you need when you visit the office to fill out your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or another form of certified public record with your name and date of your birth and two documents proving your New York residency. These can include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Based on your age, you'll also require either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a veteran, you can put a special designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on airline tickets and help with finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. If you're interested in a REAL or an Enhanced photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These companies could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, therefore you should not send them images.