Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star at the upper-right corner, then you are already REAL ID compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need an ID with a real name You will need to visit an DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is an enhanced security driver's license or state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It requires states to meet certain standards when renewing or issuing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure that can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star on the upper right corner, then it's not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can check whether or not your ID card is in compliance by clicking here.

The process to get a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. 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 evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture and two proofs of residency, and the fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Locator.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid the fees The secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved by the Secretary of state, you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID and it is approved, it will be branded as an official document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need a passport rather than a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally as it is a more reliable source of identification. This will also be the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport to fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid those applying for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows applicants to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and won't be able to use them for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of ways to apply for Real IDs, 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 in compliance 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 an active passport. You can recognize a Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner of your card. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on air travel between these destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit an DMV office in person. They should also bring a valid photo ID as well as proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstance, but usually include one document for each category. For example the proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while evidence of residency in the state could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stubs that have their name and address on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. There are some important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You should present a valid passport, driver's licence or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must show your current address (please note that P.O. This could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address --- P.O.
Finally, be try these guys out to bring a photo that meets the standards. The exact requirements for a photo will vary depending on your situation However, most people will need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the required documents, you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you'll need to visit the DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you visit the DMV. This will save you from long wait periods.
The cost of an Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You'll need to pay the application fee, the photo and the card. The cost will be different depending on whether you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing or renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
You will also have to show proof of your Social Security number. If you're 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 you see on your proofs of identity, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, you will have to provide proof issued by a court or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it take to obtain an Real ID?
Up until recently, renewing your driver's license was as simple as receiving a letter in the mail that told you it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, then you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government says the new rules will make it more difficult for criminals to steal or alter these documents. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will require an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
You'll need to submit specific proofs of identification to DMV to meet 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 what you need to have with you when you go to the office to complete the paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
You'll need a passport, or an official immigration document depending on your age. If you're an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This could allow you to get discounts on airline tickets and assistance with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything else in regards to renewing. If you're interested in a REAL or an Enhanced photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for the cost and what documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these companies since they could be used for fraud purposes.