Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you are REAL ID compliant and there is nothing further you have to do.
If you are in need of an ID with a real name You will need to visit an DMV office and bring several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card which meets 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 requirements for issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create more secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and to enter secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star on 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 obtaining a Real ID in New York is fairly simple. First, you need to visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need to submit evidence of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and a valid photo ID, two different evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Find kann man einen führerschein kaufen of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid the fees The secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. 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 a REAL ID it will be noted on your document.
It is important to remember that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust method of identification, and you will require it with you to travel to other countries. You'll require an ID card or passport to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help applicants navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows applicants to review the status of their application and identify the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is a Youtube video that will help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licenses and state identification card. If they do not conform with the law will be marked as such and not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, including the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways to apply for Real IDs, including via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. It will be required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you possess an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you are unable to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used to fly between these destinations.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to acquire an Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to bring an ID photo with a valid validity, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but usually include one document for each of the categories. For instance, proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while evidence of residency in the state could be an utility bill, a 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 documents you will have to bring to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. However there are some essential things you must keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. This could be something like an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves your residence in New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary based on the circumstances however, the majority of people have to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV locations and hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will prevent you from long waiting times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You will have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will be different when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing or 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 on your identity proof or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the events that led to the name change.
How long does it typically take to receive an Real ID card?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a note in the mail telling you that it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, now you'll need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military.
You'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV in order to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide that will assist you in understanding what documents you require when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public with your name and date of birth and two evidences of New York residency. These can include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not 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 add a special designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do any more in regards to renewing. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine how much a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost, and the documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraud purposes.