Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring with you numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a real 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 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain requirements for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure that can be used to travel on air, for law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. You can check whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process of obtaining a Real ID in New York is fairly simple. The first step is to visit an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and the required documents. You must submit proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency, and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Find your closest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved, the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID, it will be marked as such on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend to travel internationally, you will require an official passport, not a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally as it is a more reliable source of identification. You'll require an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help applicants navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows applicants to review the status of their application and determine what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and identification cards. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be permitted to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways for people to obtain an authentic ID, such as 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. It is required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you have valid passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your card. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you are not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. More are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit the DMV office in person. They will also have to carry an ID photo with a valid validity as well as evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but usually will include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an actual 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 should never forget to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of proof that can prove your identity. This can be something like an official driver's license or passport or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring proof of residency that proves your residence in New York. This can be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. This can be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address --- P.O.
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the circumstances. However, most people are required to take a clear photograph that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, and you will need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can see all the offices and their operating hours.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will prevent you from long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You'll need to pay the application fee as well as the photo card. You'll have to pay different fees for applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing license or converting a New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also be required to show 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 on your proof of identity or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will need to bring in courtor government-issued proof of the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it usually take to receive an Real ID card?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as easy as getting the mailer telling you it was time to renew. But now, if you would like to fly or enter some federal buildings and military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to apply for an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to provide specific proof of identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide that will assist you in understanding what documents you require when you visit the office to fill out your paperwork.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These can include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not accepted).
You'll need either a passport or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you're a Veteran, you can add a special designation on your ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine the amount an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these companies because they could be used for fraud purposes.