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's nothing else you need to do.

If you are in need of an actual ID you must visit an DMV office and bring several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.

What is a real ID?

Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or an state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create a 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 in the upper-right corner, it's not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you want one. Click here to find out if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.

The process for obtaining an Real ID in New York is relatively straightforward. First, you have to go to an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, a valid ID photo and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.

After you have submitted your documents and paid your fees your identity will be verified and a background check 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, it will be noted 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 more secure and reliable form of identification, and you'll require it with you to travel internationally. This will also be the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to possess a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly.

How can I get a Real Identification?


The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools to help people get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that enables applicants to check the status of their application and decide what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for an 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 card. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options to get a Real ID. These include online or over the phone or in person.

A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. It is required for air travel within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Cards that are not compliant do not have the gold star.

If you aren't able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these countries.

Individuals must visit the DMV in person to acquire an Real ID, or enhanced document. They should also bring a valid photo ID, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but typically contain 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, or pay stubs that include their name and address.

What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?

The specific documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will vary depending on your situation. There are kaufen führerschein should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You should bring a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves you live in New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).

Bring a photo 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 necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply personally and you'll need to go to either the DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.

Make a reservation before you arrive at the DMV. This will save you from long wait periods.

The cost of a Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You will need to pay for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will differ when you apply for the first time a driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.

In addition to the required documents, you'll be required to provide proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your date of birth 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 have on your identity proof legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the circumstances that led to the name change.

How long does it take to get an Real ID?

Prior to recently renewing your license was only a letter in the post telling you it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to apply for a REAL ID.

The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to steal or alter 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 military bases.

You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification to DMV to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will walk you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill in your paperwork.

In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll need a birth certificate or other form of certified public record with the name and date of birth and two documents proving your New York residency. This could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stubs with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).

You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran, it is possible to add a designation to your ID or license which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This could enable you to receive discounts on airline tickets and assistance with housing.

If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more in terms of renewing. Use the calculator at the DMV to find out how much a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost, and the documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These companies could use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, so you should not provide them with images.