Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star in the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll be required to visit the DMV and bring with you several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with the highest security standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create a more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star on the upper-right corner, it's not REALID-compliant. You'll have to upgrade if you wish to have one. Check here to determine if your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID in New York is quite simple. First, you have to go to the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need evidence of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as a valid photo ID as well as two other evidence of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). You can find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have submitted your documents and paid the fees your identity will be verified. This is followed by 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 in the mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally, since it is a more trustworthy method of identification. This will also be the case if you plan to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to have a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist people in the application process to obtain a Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and identify the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses as well as state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be marked and will not be able to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways to get 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 complies with federal law. 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 identify the Real ID by looking for a gold star on the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards don't have the gold star.
If you are not able to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they cannot be used on flights between these countries.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit a DMV office in person. They will also have to bring an ID photo with a valid validity, proof of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The exact documentation that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but usually include one document for each category. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state can be a utility statement or bank statement, or pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV vary depending on what you're doing. However, there are a few essential things you must keep in mind to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of proof that confirm your identity. You should present a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows you live in New York. It could be 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).
Bring a photo in conformity with the guidelines. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the circumstances, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply personally which means you'll have to visit either an DMV or partner office, such as DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and hours on the DMV website.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you visit the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting times.
you can try this out of the Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will need to pay for the application, a photograph and the card itself. The cost will be different depending on whether you are applying for the first time a driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you'll also need to provide 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 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'll need to bring in courtor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.
How long will it normally 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 want to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, you require an enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to obtain a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses 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 a REAL ID, or an Enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you require when you visit the office to complete your application.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documents. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll need either a passport, or an official immigration document based on your age. If you are an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to receive discounts on flights and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything else in regards to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost you, and what documents you require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents for fraudulent reasons, so do not provide them with images.