Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has an asterisk in the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID then you will need to visit the DMV and bring with you several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a true ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's licence or state identification card which meets federal 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 standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure, which can be used for travel, police and 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 is not REAL ID compliant, and you'll have to upgrade to get one. You can determine whether or not your credential is in compliance by clicking here.
The process of getting an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you must visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need proof of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an ID with a valid photo as well as two other proofs of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid the fees The secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an identity 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 are approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable form of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel abroad. This is also the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport to travel.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to check on the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that can help people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. If they do not conform with the law will be marked 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 a range of options to get a Real ID. This includes online, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025, it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess an authentic passport. You can tell if you have the 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're not able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They must present an acceptable photo ID as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary depending on the situation but usually include one document for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship could be naturalization or birth certificate, and proof of state residency could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with their name and address on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The documents you will have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you are doing. There are a few essential things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You should carry a valid passport or driver's licence or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves your residence in New York. This can be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O. This can be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -P.O. P.O.
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on the situation However, most people will need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person which means you'll have to go to either the DMV or partner office like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will find all the offices and their hours of operation.
When you visit the DMV, be sure to make a reservation. This will help you avoid long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. You'll have to pay different fees for applying for a driver's license, renewing an existing license or changing the 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 my website are 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 the name that appears on your proofs of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, you will have to provide evidence issued by a judge or government documenting the reason for the change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
Prior to recently renewal of your license was only a note in the mail advising you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals who want to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID, or an Enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll need to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV to meet federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo-document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide that will help you to know the documents you'll need when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need a birth certificate or other document that is certified by the public with your name and date of your birth, as well as two evidences of New York residency. This can be a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also require either the passport or an official 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 qualify you for discounts on your flight tickets and assist you in finding housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps in the event that you already have a valid. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost you, and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraudulent purposes.
