Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already has 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 require an actual ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and bring several documents of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's licence 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 aim of the act is to create a more 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 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 in order to obtain one. You can check whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining an Real ID in New York is fairly straightforward. The first step is to go to an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and required documents. You must submit proof 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 the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the required documents and paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will mail your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID it will be noted on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you intend on traveling internationally, you'll need to have a passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you in order to travel abroad. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I obtain an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist applicants in completing their application to obtain a Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document check list, allows people to track the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Those who do not comply will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various ways to get 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 compliant with federal law. In May 2025 it will be required to fly within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings without an authentic passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold star in the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have a gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. blog are able to be used to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they can't be used for air travel between those destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit the DMV office in person. They will also need to present an ID with a valid photo, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but typically will include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Evidence of residency in the state could be a utility invoice, bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What documents do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an actual ID?
The documents you'll have to submit to the DMV vary depending on what you are doing. There are a few important items you must not forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like an official driver's license or passport or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you reside in New York. This could be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Make sure you bring a photo that meets the standards. The requirements for a photo will vary depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear picture that clearly shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You'll have to apply on your own, so you'll need to go to either a DMV or partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will see all the offices and their operating hours.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you arrive at the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID card in New York will depend on your specific situation. You'll need to pay a fee for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. The cost will differ depending on whether you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you will be required to provide proof of your social security number. If you are applying for an 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 see on your identity proofs or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, you must submit evidence issued by a judge or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it take to obtain a Real ID?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter in the mail that told you it was time to renew. Now, if are planning to fly or visit some federal structures and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late for you to apply for a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government states that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals to alter or counterfeit 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 some federal facilities, like military bases.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV in order to satisfy federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo-document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand what you need to have to bring to the office to fill in your application.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).
You'll require 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 indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do any more when it comes to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo document will cost you, and what documents you require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your home. However, these websites are not associated with the DMV. These websites could utilize your documents for fraud purposes, therefore you should not provide them with images.