Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, you are already REAL ID compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring along various proofs of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a Real 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 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states adhere to certain standards for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create a more secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have gold stars in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant, and you'll need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and the required documents. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location by using our Facility Finder.
After eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen have submitted all of 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 and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. You will need a passport to travel internationally, as it is a more reliable form of identification. You'll need a passport or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get an Real ID.

The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. If they do not, they are tagged and will not be able to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of ways to apply for an authentic ID, such as online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's licence, 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 identify the Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the upper right corner of your card. Cards that aren't conforming do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is compliant 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 on flights between these countries.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also be required to carry a valid ID photo and evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact documents that are acceptable will depend on the situation, but usually include one document for each of the categories. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, or pay stubs that include their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. However, there are a few important things you must remember to bring with you. First, make sure you bring two forms of documentation that can prove your identity. This can be something like a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. The second thing to do is bring some form of proof that proves your residency in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must have your current address - P.O. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O.
Be sure to take a picture that meets the specifications. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photograph which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You have 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 of DMV locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will prevent you from long wait periods.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You will need to pay for the application, a photograph and the card itself. You'll have to pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence, or changing an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for a Real ID driver's license or an Enhanced ID, the DMV will need to confirm your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name on your proof of identity or lawful status 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 led to the name change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a letter from the mail telling you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, then you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late to obtain a 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 will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID, to board domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online document guide which will help you understand what documents you need when you visit the office to complete your application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or another form of certified public record that includes the name and date of birth and two proofs of New York residency. This could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a veteran, you can put a special designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Check the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost, and what documents you require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent reasons, so do not provide them with images.