Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's licence already has a star in the upper-right corner, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's licence or 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 meet certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The goal of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and also to gain access to 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, then it's not REALID-compliant. You'll need to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can determine whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process to get an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID as well as two other proofs of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your fees The secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of state you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be noted as the same on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you intend to travel internationally, you will need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust method of identification, and you will need to bring it with you to travel internationally. This will also be the case if you want to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess real ID or a valid passport before they can fly.
How do I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid applicants in completing their application for the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to check on the status of their application and determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and won't be able to use them for federal purposes, including taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV provides 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 any driver's licence, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is in compliance with federal law. It is required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet all the requirements for the Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but can't be used for air travel between those destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit a DMV office in person. They should also present a valid photo ID as well as proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact documentation that is acceptable will depend on the circumstances, but they should usually have the same evidence for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. There are a few essential things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You are able to present a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. It could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a picture that is in conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own and you'll need to visit either a DMV or partner office such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will find the complete list of offices and hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you visit the DMV. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. You'll have to pay different fees for applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license or converting the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also have 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 that appears on your proofs of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name that appears on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must submit evidence issued by a judge or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
Prior to recently, renewing your license required only a note in the post telling you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal structures or military bases, now you need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through what you need to have to bring to the office to complete your application.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).

Depending on your age you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran, you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding housing.
wie kann ich meinen führerschein kaufen of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost, and what documents you require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used to commit fraud.