Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has a star 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 a REAL ID then you will need to visit the DMV and bring with you several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that is compliant with higher security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It obliges states to comply with certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you'll need to upgrade to obtain one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and required documents. You must provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency 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 completed your paperwork and paid your fees your identity will be checked and an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. 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.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable method of identification, and you will need to bring it with you to travel internationally. You will need an ID card or passport to board commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist applicants in completing their application to obtain a Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. If they do not, they are tagged and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways to apply for Real IDs, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a 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 unless you possess an authentic passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for a 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 can be used to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to present an ID with a valid photo and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but usually include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Evidence 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 have to bring to DMV in order to obtain an actual ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. There are a few important items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. This can be something like a valid driver's licence or passport 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 display your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the specific situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that clearly 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 personally and you'll need to visit either a DMV or a partner office, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and their hours on the DMV website.
When you visit the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will prevent you from long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll need to pay the application fee, the photo and the card. There are different fees to pay when applying for a driver's licence, renewing an existing license or changing a New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
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 see on your proofs of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide evidence issued by a judge or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it usually take to receive an Real ID card?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a letter from the mail advising you that it was time to renew. But 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 to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it harder for criminals trying to alter or counterfeit 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 some federal facilities, like bases for military.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide that will assist you in understanding the documents you'll need when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If you're a Veteran, you can put a special designation on your license or ID that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on 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 anything else when it comes to renewing. If you want an enhanced or real photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland should not submit images of your personal documents to these companies because they could be used for fraudulent purposes.