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 are real ID-compliant and there's nothing more you have to do.
If you are in need of an ID with a real name you must visit an DMV office and bring several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or an state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain standards for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create a more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and for entry into secure 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 is not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you wish to have one. Check here to determine whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting a Real ID in New York is fairly simple. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an acceptable photo ID, two different evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork 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, the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you plan on traveling internationally, you will need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable type of identification, and you will require it with you to travel internationally. This is also the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport to fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying for the Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows applicants to check the status of their application and determine the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet 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 not be able to use them for federal purposes, which includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options for individuals to obtain a Real ID. They can be obtained online or over the phone or in-person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an authentic passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's top right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have a gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting the requirements for an 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 can be used to travel by maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used to fly between these destinations.
The applicants will have to go to the DMV in person to get an Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to carry an ID photo that is valid as well as proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility invoice or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The specific documents you will need to bring with you to the DMV will differ depending on your situation. However there are some essential things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This could be a valid driver's licence or passport or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove you live in New York. deutschen führerschein kaufen can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O. This can be an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address --- P.O.
Bring a photo in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will prevent you from long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will vary if you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing or renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number. If you are applying for a Real ID driver's license or an enhanced ID, the DMV will require verification of your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you have on your proof of identity legal status, lawful status, or 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 application- or government-issued proof documenting the events that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get a Real ID?
Prior to recently renewal of your license was only a letter from the mail telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you require a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.

You'll have to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV to meet the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you need 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 print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport 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 allow you to get discounts on travel tickets as well as help in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. If you're interested in an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, so you should not send them images.