Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has a star in the upper-right corner, 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'll be required to visit the DMV and bring several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a genuine ID?
Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or state identification card that meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks. It obliges states to comply with certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create an additional secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and also to gain access to secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. Check here to determine if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with the required documents. You will be required to provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency, and a fee of $28 (see Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID and it is approved, it will be noted as the same on your document.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning to travel internationally, you will need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, since it is a more trustworthy form of identification. You'll need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid applicants in completing their application to obtain the Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows people to review the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that people make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those who do not comply will be marked and will not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options for individuals to obtain 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 travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have the gold star.

If you aren't in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
The applicants will have to visit the DMV in person to get an Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also be required to bring a valid ID photo as well as evidence 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 piece of evidence for each category. For example evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address on it.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an ID that is genuine?
The documents you'll need to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you are doing. However there are some key things you should always keep in mind to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You should bring a valid passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring a piece of documentation that proves you are a resident of New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a picture will vary depending on the situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own, so you'll need to go to either an DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation prior to when you go to the DMV. This will help you avoid long waiting periods.
The cost of the Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You'll have to pay the application fee as well as the photo card. There are different fees to pay if you're applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence, or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the mandatory documents, you'll be required to provide 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 verify your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name you have on your identity proof or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will be required to submit a court applicationor government-issued proof of the events that caused the name change.
How long will it take to get an Real ID?
Prior to recently renewal of your license was only a note in the mail telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you need an enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to get a 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 to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins 'll need to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers 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 application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need a birth certificate or other document that is certified by the public with your name and date of birth and two documents proving your New York residency. This can be bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub showing your current address, or printed online documents. Boxes are not acceptable).
You'll need passport or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license indicating that you served in the U.S. Military. This could enable you to get discounts on airline tickets as well as assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine the amount a REAL or Enhanced photo document will cost, and what documents you need. There are some websites that claim to pre-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, as they could be used to commit fraud.