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.
If you require an ID with a real name you must visit a DMV office and bring documents of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence or state identification card that meets the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it obliges states to comply with certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used to travel on air, for police, and other government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star on the upper-right corner, then it's not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade if you wish to have one. Check here to determine if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process to get the 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 and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a valid photo ID and two evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator 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, the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID the ID will be marked as the same on your document.
It is important to remember that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you'll need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally, as it is a more secure form of identification. This will also be the case when you wish to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess a REAL ID or a valid passport in order to fly.
How do I obtain a Real ID?

New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application for an Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be marked as such and won't be permitted to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. 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 or permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an authentic 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 are not able to display the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for the Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit a DMV office in person. They must bring a valid photo ID, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but generally will include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate 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 documents do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will differ based on your situation. However there are a few key things you should always keep in mind to bring. First, you must bring two forms of documentation that prove your identity. This could be something like an official driver's license or passport or birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring a piece of documentation that proves you are a resident of New York. It could be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address - P.O. This could be an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O.
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the requirements. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the circumstances. However, most people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can get a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to make a reservation. This will prevent you from long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. The cost will differ if you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you'll also need to provide 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 verify your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you see on your identity proofs, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name that appears on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide proof issued by a court or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long does it take to get an Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as getting the mailer which informed you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, then you need an enhanced driver's license. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit or alter 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 some federal facilities, like bases for military.
deutsche führerschein kaufen 'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV in order to satisfy the 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 understand what documents you need when you go to the office to fill out 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. This can be statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes can't be used).
Depending on führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland , you'll also need to have either a passport or an official immigration document. If you're a Veteran, you can add a special designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine how much a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost you, and the documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used to commit fraud.