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's nothing more you need to do.

If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring along various proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.

What is a true ID?

A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or state identification card that meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain requirements for issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create an additional secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, and also to gain access to secure 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. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.

The process of obtaining a Real ID in New York is quite simple. First, you need to visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture and two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Locator.


After you have submitted your documents and paid your 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 via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be branded as the same on your document.

It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend to travel internationally, you'll require the passport instead of a Real ID. wie kann ich meinen führerschein kaufen 'll need a passport to travel internationally, since it is a more secure form of identification. You'll require an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.

How can I obtain a Real Identification?

The New York DMV is providing several online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and identify what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes people make when trying get a Real ID.

The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be tagged and not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to get Real IDs, including via the internet, over the phone, or in person.

A Real ID is a driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. It will be required to travel on air within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you hold a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.

If you're not able to meet the requirements for an 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 sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on air travel between these destinations.

To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to bring a valid ID photo, evidence of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ according to the circumstance, but generally will include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility invoice or bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.

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

The specific documents you'll need to bring with you to the DMV will differ based on your situation. There are a few essential items you must not forget to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of proof that prove your identity. This can be something like an official driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring proof of residency that proves your residency 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).

Be sure to take a picture that meets the standards. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, which means you will need to visit an 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, be sure to book a reservation. This will help you avoid long waiting times.

The cost of the Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will be different if you are applying 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.

You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number. If you're 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 you see on your documents of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you will have to provide proof issued by a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.

How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?

Until recently renewing your license was as easy as receiving a mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. But now, if you would like to fly or enter some federal structures and military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or a driver's license with an enhanced version. The clock is moving, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.

The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their licenses, permits 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 to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.

You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification to DMV in order 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 guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your application.

You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. This could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or printed online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.

Based on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are a veteran, it is possible to add a special 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 airline tickets and assistance with housing.

Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. If you're looking for an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for the cost and the documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could utilize your documents for fraud purposes, so you should not send them images.