Buy a Real Driving License

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner then you're REAL ID-compliant and there is nothing further you need to do.

For those who need an actual ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and bring several documents of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.

What is a genuine ID?

A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states adhere to certain standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable, which can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.

If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star in the upper-right corner, it's not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can check whether or not your credential is in compliance by clicking here.

The process of obtaining the Real ID in New York is fairly simple. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and required documents. You'll need to submit proof of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as a valid photo ID, two different evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.

After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid your fees, the secretary of state will confirm 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 and it is approved, it will be noted as an official document.

If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need a passport rather than a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, as it is a more reliable source of identification. You'll need an ID card or passport to take commercial flights in the United States.

How do I get an Real ID?

The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help applicants get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and decide what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for a Real ID.

The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various options to apply for a Real ID, including online, by phone, or in person.

A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, 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 active passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards don't have the gold star.

For those who aren't capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used for air travel between these countries.


Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to obtain an Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to present an acceptable photo ID, evidence of US citizenship and state residency. The exact documents that are acceptable will depend on their situation, but usually include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.

What do I need bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?

The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. There are some important things you shouldn't forget to bring. First, be sure to bring two forms of documentation that prove your identity. This can be something like an official driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. It could be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O.

Bring a photo in accordance with the requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on your situation however, the majority of people have to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and shows your face.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person which means you'll have to go to either an DMV or partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can get all the offices and their operating hours.

When you visit the DMV Be sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long waiting times.

The cost of the Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will need to pay a fee for the application, a photograph and the card itself. The cost will differ when you apply for the first time a driver's license, renewing an license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.

In addition to the required documents, you will also have to show proof of your social security number. If you're applying for an Real ID driver's license or an enhanced ID, the DMV will need to confirm your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins have on your proof of identity legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will be required to submit a court applicationor government-issued proof of the circumstances that led to the name change.

How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?

In the past, renewing your license was as easy as getting the letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or go into certain federal structures or military bases, then you need an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to obtain 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 claims that the new rules make it harder for criminals to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.

To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to provide specific proof of your identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will guide you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to complete the paperwork.

You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with your current address, or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or printed online documents. Boxes are not acceptable).

Depending on your age you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you are an active veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. Military. This can allow you to receive discounts on airline tickets as well as assistance with housing.

If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more in regards to renewing. If you're looking for an enhanced or real photo document, check the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and the documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraud purposes.