Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you're REAL ID compliant and there's nothing else you have to do.
If you are in need of a REAL ID You will need to visit a DMV office and bring several evidence of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is a heightened security driver's licence or state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create a more 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 your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not have a star in the upper-right corner, it is not REALID compliant. You will need to upgrade if you wish to have one. You can determine whether or not your ID card is compliant by clicking here.
The process of getting a Real ID in New York is relatively easy. The first step is to visit an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with required documents. You must provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence and a valid ID photograph and two proofs of residency and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted your documents and paid the fees Your identity will be checked and a background check conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send your new standard DL or ID to you by mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be noted as an official 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. Passports are a more reliable and robust method of identification, and you'll have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. You'll need an ID card or passport to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain an Real ID?

New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application for the Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document checklist, allows applicants to track the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and will not be able to use them for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain a Real ID, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. It will be required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you hold a valid passport. You can identify a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your card. Cards that aren't conforming do not have the gold star.
If you aren't in a position to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but are not valid to travel by air between those destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They must bring an ID with a valid photo and evidence of US citizenship and state residency. The exact documentation that is acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each category. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility invoice, bank statement, or 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 will differ based on what you're doing. However there are deutschen führerschein kaufen should always be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. You can present a valid passport, driver's licence or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you reside in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in conformity with the guidelines. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary based on the situation, but most people need to take a photo with a front view that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply personally, so you'll need to go to either an DMV or partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will see the complete list of offices and hours of operation.
Make a reservation before you go to the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will need to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will be different depending on whether you are applying for the first time a driver's license, renewing or renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you will be required to provide 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 führerschein kaufen ohne vorkasse have on your proof of identity legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will need to bring in courtor a government-issued document that explains the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it typically take to get an Real ID card?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a letter in the post telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or enter certain federal structures or military bases, then you need a REALID or enhanced driver's license. The clock is ticking, 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 permits, licenses and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it harder for criminals who want to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military personnel.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand the information you need to bring to bring to the office to fill in your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or another document that is certified by the public with your name and date of your birth, as well as two evidences of New York residency. These can include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes are not accepted).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an active veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your license or ID indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to qualify for discounts on airfare and assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more in terms of renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to find out how much an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and what documents you'll need. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraudulent purposes.