Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you're real ID-compliant and there's nothing else you need to do.
If you require a REAL ID you must visit an DMV office and bring documents of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a genuine ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's licence or 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 of America, requires that states meet certain requirements for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant, and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can check whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining the Real ID in New York is quite simple. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and required documents. You'll need evidence of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an ID with a valid photo, two different documents of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
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 and the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be marked as an official document.
It is important to remember that if you plan to travel internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will need to bring it with you in order to travel abroad. This will also be the case when you wish to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport before they can fly.
How do I get a Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying for the Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows people to review the status of their application and decide what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be branded as such and will not be able to use them for federal purposes, such as the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV provides a variety of options for individuals to get a Real ID. This includes online, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license, 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 a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display a gold star.
If you're not able to meet all the requirements for a 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 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 fly between these destinations.
The applicants will have to go to the DMV in person to obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to carry a valid ID photo and evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their circumstances, but they should usually have one piece of evidence for each of the categories. For example, proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, bank statement or pay stubs that have their name and address on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will vary depending on your situation. There are a few essential items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This could be a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring proof of residency that proves your residence in New York. This could be a utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a picture that is in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply personally, so you'll need to go to either an DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see all the offices and their hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will prevent you from long wait periods.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay for the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will differ depending on whether you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you'll also have to show 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 that appears on your proofs of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must submit evidence from a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long will it normally take to get a Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license required only a letter in the mail advising you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, then you'll need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it harder for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID or Enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
To be able to meet federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the information you need to bring with you when you go to the office to complete your paperwork.
In registrierten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or another type of certified public record with the name and date of your birth and two evidences of New York residency. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran, it is possible to add a designation to your license or ID which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This could allow you to receive discounts on flights as well as assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything else in regards to renewing. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost you, and the documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraudulent purposes.