Buy a Real Driving License

If your state ID or driver's license already has a star in the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID-compliant. There is no need to do anything else.

If you need a REAL ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.

What is a real ID?

Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following 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 identification card that is more secure and reliable that can be used to travel on air, for police, and other government facilities.

If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade to obtain one. You can check whether or not your credential is valid by clicking here.

The process for obtaining a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID, two different documents of residency and a fee of $28 (see the 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 the fees, your identity will be checked and an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of State and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.

It is important to remember that if you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need to have an official passport, not a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable method of identification, and you'll have to carry it with you to travel abroad. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.

How do I obtain a Real ID?

New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist applicants in completing their application to obtain a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows people to assess the status of their application and decide what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for an Real ID.

The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licenses and state identification card. States that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes the boarding of domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. These include online or over the phone or in person.

A Real ID is a driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. It is required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.

For those who aren't in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but are not valid to fly between these destinations.

Individuals must go to the DMV in person to get a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to bring an ID photo with a valid validity as well as evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. fuhrerschein kaufen Links to an external site. that are acceptable will vary based on their situation, but usually include the same evidence for each category. For example the proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth 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 get an actual ID?

The documents you will have to submit to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. There are a few important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This could be a valid driver's licence or passport, or a birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring some form of proof that proves you are a resident of New York. This could be a 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).

Bring a photo in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the situation, but most people need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly 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 will need to apply in person, which means you'll need to go to the DMV office or one of their partner offices like 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 reserve a seat. This will help you avoid long waiting times.

The cost of the 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. You will pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing license, or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.


In addition to the mandatory documents, you will 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 proof of identity legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a courtor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.

How long does it take to obtain an Real ID?

In the past renewal of your license was only a note in the post telling you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is going by, but it's too late to get your Real ID.

The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.

You'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to meet the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online guide to documents that will help you understand what documents you require when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.

You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes are not accepted).

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

If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything else in terms of renewing. If you want an enhanced or real photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and the types of documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents to serve fraudulent reasons, so do not send them images.