Buy a Real Driving License
If your 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.
If you need a REAL ID, then you'll need to visit the DMV and bring with you several proofs of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
Real ID is a heightened 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 requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used to travel on air, for police and government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't have a star in the upper right corner, then it's not REALID-compliant. You will need to upgrade if you wish to have one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence with a valid ID picture and two proofs of residency, and an amount of $28 (see Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted your documents and paid the fees Your identity will be verified and a background check will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state and you are approved, you will receive a new standard DL/ID via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be stated on your document.
It is important to remember that if you plan to travel internationally, you will require a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, as it is a more reliable method of identification. You will need a passport or REAL ID to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing several online tools to help applicants to navigate the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that enables applicants to assess the status of their application and identify what documents they need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. If they do not, they will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal use. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of ways to apply for a Real ID, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's license or 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 possess an active passport. Look for a gold star in the card's upper right to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still obtain an enhanced driver's license 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 are not able to be used on flights between these destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also have to carry an ID photo that is valid, proof of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but usually will include one document for each category. For example the proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with their name and address on it.
What documents do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV vary depending on what you are doing. However, there are a few important things you must be sure to bring. First, you must bring two forms of documentation that prove your identity. You can bring a valid passport, driver's licence or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a 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 that is in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ based on the situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, and you'll need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see a complete list of offices and hours of operation.
If you are going to the DMV, be sure to book a reservation. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You'll need to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will differ when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing or renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also be required 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 have on your proof of identity, lawful status, and Social Security is not the same as the name that appears on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court application- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it typically take to get an Real ID card?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a mailer that told you it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or go into certain federal buildings or military bases, you require a REALID or enhanced driver's license. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals who want to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to take domestic flights, or enter certain federal facilities, such as bases for military personnel.
You'll have to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV to satisfy 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 guide that will help you understand what you need to have to bring to the office to fill in the paperwork.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or another form of certified public record that includes the name and date of your birth, as well as two evidences of New York residency. This could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a veteran you can include a specific designation on your ID or license 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 mouse click the following internet site , you may not need to do any more in terms of renewing. If you're looking for an enhanced or real photo ID, you can use the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and what documents you'll require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not associated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these companies, as they could be used for fraudulent purposes.