Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has a star in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID-compliant and there's nothing else you need to do.
If you require a REAL ID you must visit the DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's license or an state identification card that 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 standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The aim of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable method of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and for entry into secure government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it's not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade to get one. Click here to check if your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining an Real ID in New York is quite easy. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and the required documents. You'll need proof of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo, two different evidence of residence 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 necessary documents and have paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send your new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID, it will be noted as an official document.
It is important to remember that if you are planning to travel internationally, you'll need to have a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust type of identification, and you will require it with you to travel internationally. This is also the case when you wish to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to possess real ID or a valid passport before they can travel.
How do I get an Real ID?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying to obtain the Real ID. One of these tools, an individualized document check list, allows people to track the status of their application as well as determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. If they do not conform with the law will be marked as such and won't be permitted to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options to obtain a real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in-person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license or permit or non-driver ID card. It will be required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal structures beginning in May 2025, unless you have a valid passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold star in the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards do not have a gold star.
If you aren't in a position to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. read here are valid to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but cannot be used to fly between these destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to bring an ID photo that is valid, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact documents that are acceptable will vary based on their situation, but usually include one piece of evidence for each of the categories. For example evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, while evidence of residency in the US could be an utility bill, a bank statement or pay stubs that have their address and name on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain an actual ID?
The exact documents you have to bring to the DMV will vary depending on the circumstances. There are some important things you shouldn't forget to bring. First, be sure to bring two forms of documentation that confirm your identity. You can present a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves your residency in New York. This can be the utility bill or bank statement (the document must clearly show your current address - P.O. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must display your current address -P.O. P.O.
Finally, be sure to bring a photo that meets the specifications. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you can get all the offices and hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will save you from long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photo, and the card itself. The cost will vary if you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing an 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. 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 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 applicationor a government-issued document that explains the events that led to the name change.
How long will it normally take to get an Real ID card?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a note in the post telling you that it was time to renew. Now, if are planning to fly or visit some federal structures and bases, you'll require an ID that is REAL or a driver's license with an enhanced version. It's not too late to get an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it more difficult for criminals trying to counterfeit or alter 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 some federal facilities, like bases for military.
You'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV to meet the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or a Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website offers an online guide to documents that will help you to know what documents you need when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with your current address or printed online documentation (documents with P.O. These could include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes can't be used).
You'll need either a passport or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you're a veteran you can add a special designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on flight tickets and assist you in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Check the DMV's calculator to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost you, and the documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not associated with the DMV. These companies could use your documents to serve fraudulent purposes, so you should not send them images.