Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already has an asterisk in the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
For those who need a REAL ID you must visit an DMV office and bring proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a genuine 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 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain requirements for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. visit here of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used for air travel, police and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card does not include a star in the upper right corner, then it is not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you want one. Click here to find out if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you need to visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will need to provide evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an ID with a valid photo and two proofs of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents and have paid the fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID the ID will be noted as the same on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you intend on traveling internationally, you'll require the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable form of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. This will also be the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to travel.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid applicants in completing their application for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows people to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that will help applicants avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to get a Real ID. They can be obtained online or over the phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. It will be required for air travel within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. You can tell if you have a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner of your card. Cards that aren't compliant do not have the gold star.
For those who aren't able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used for air travel between these countries.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit a DMV office in person. They must present a valid photo ID, proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will vary based on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each category. For example, proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with their address and name on it.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will vary depending on your particular situation. There are some important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You should carry a valid passport or driver's licence, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves your residence in New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address and address - P.O. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address --- P.O.
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the specific situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You have to apply in person, and you'll need to go to the DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can get all the offices and their operating hours.
Make a reservation before you visit the DMV. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of the 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. You will pay different fees for applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you will also have to show proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your birth date and name with the Social Security Administration if you are applying for an enhanced ID or Real ID driver's licence. If the name you see on your documents of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you must provide proof issued by a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it typically take to receive a Real ID card?
Up until recently renewal of your license was only a letter in the post telling you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you require a REALID or enhanced driver's license. It's not too late for you to obtain an ID that is REAL.

The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards with regard to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of these documents. Federal agencies, such as 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 military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo-document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will walk you through the documents you must bring to bring to the office to fill out the paperwork.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. This can be bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or online documentation. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also require either a passport or an official immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to receive discounts on flights as well as assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more in regards to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost, and what documents you require. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These companies may use your documents for fraudulent purposes, so you should not send them images.