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 is nothing further you have to do.
For those who need an actual ID you must visit a DMV office and bring several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information 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, and it requires states to adhere to certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse or ID card doesn't have a star in the upper-right corner, then it is not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you wish to have one. You can check whether or not your ID card is valid by clicking here.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You'll need evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo and two proofs of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you to travel internationally. You will need a passport or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How can I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application to obtain the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be branded as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to get an authentic ID, such as online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license or permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an authentic passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
If you are not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that's in line 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 they can't be used to travel by air between those destinations.
The applicants will have to go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to bring a valid ID photo as well as evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact document that is acceptable will vary based on their situation, but typically they will have the same evidence for each category. For example the proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The specific documents you will have to bring to the DMV will differ based on your situation. However there are a few essential things you must be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Finally, be sure to take a picture that meets the requirements. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the specific situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply in person, and you'll need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours on the DMV website.
If you are going to the DMV make sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will differ if you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also be required 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 on your identity proof, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will need to bring in courtor government-issued proof of the events that led to the name change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license required only a note in the mail advising you it was time to renew. But now, if you would like to fly or enter some federal structures and bases, you'll require a REAL ID or a driver's license with an enhanced version. It's not too late for you to obtain a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations 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 take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including bases for military.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you understand what documents you need when you visit the office to complete your application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public with the name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. These can include a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online documents. Boxes aren't acceptable).
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to receive discounts on airfare and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more in terms of renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost, and the documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraudulent purposes.