Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features an asterisk in the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. There is führerschein ohne prüfung legal to do anything else.
If you are in need of an ID with a real name you must visit a DMV office and bring proofs of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
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, passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create an additional secure and reliable type 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 doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, then it's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you want one. You can check whether or not your ID card is valid by clicking here.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is fairly easy. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and required documents. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid the fees, your identity will be verified. This is followed by an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need a passport rather than a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable type of identification, and you will need to bring it with you to travel abroad. This will also be the case if you plan to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have real ID or a valid passport in order to fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help people to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document checklist, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application as well as determine which documents they should bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes people make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. States that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and not be able to use them for federal purposes, such as taking domestic flights, or entering certain federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of ways to get Real IDs, including via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's licence, permit or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that complies with federal law. It is required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you possess a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance 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 are not able to be used for air travel between these countries.
Individuals will need to visit the DMV in person to obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They must bring an ID with a valid photo as well as proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on the situation, but usually include one piece of evidence for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, and evidence of residency in the state could be a utility bill, 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 a real ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. However there are a few key things you should always be sure to bring. First, make sure you bring two forms of documentation that can prove your identity. You are able to bring a valid passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves you live in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the specifications. The exact requirements for a photo will vary depending on the circumstances, but most people need to take a photo with a front view that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You must apply in person, and you'll need to go to an DMV office or one of their partner offices, such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will see a complete list of offices and hours of operation.
When you visit the DMV, be sure to book a reservation. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You will have to pay the application fee, the photo and the card. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's license, renewing an existing license or changing the New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number. The DMV must verify your date of birth 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 proofs of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you will have to provide proof issued by a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a letter in the post telling you that it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards with regard to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says that the new regulations 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 an actual ID or an enhanced photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to bring specific proofs of your identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or Enhanced 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.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, or pay stub with your current address, or print online documentation (documents with P.O. This could include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll need a passport, or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran you can put a special designation on your license or ID that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your travel tickets as well as help in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more when it comes to renewing. If you're looking for an enhanced or REAL photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator to determine the cost and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites since they could be used for fraudulent purposes.