Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has a star at the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't need to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID You will need to visit a DMV office and bring documents of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a genuine 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, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, demands that states meet certain requirements for issuing or renewing driver's licenses as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and for entry into secure government facilities.
If more information or ID card does not include a star in the upper-right corner, it's not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can check whether or not your credential is compliant by clicking here.
The process for obtaining the Real ID in New York is quite simple. The first step is to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and required documents. You will need to provide proof of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, an ID with a valid photo and two evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents and have paid the fees The Secretary of State will verify your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, you will receive your new standard DL/ID in the mail. If you have been approved for an REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
It is crucial to remember that if you plan on traveling internationally, you'll require a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are more secure and reliable method of identification, and you will have to carry it with you to travel to other countries. You'll require an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools, a customized document checklist, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is a Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be tagged and not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a real ID. This includes online, over the 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. It is required to travel on air within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you hold a valid passport. You can tell if you have the Real ID by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards don't have the gold star.
If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel on maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit the DMV office in person. They will also be required to bring an ID photo with a valid validity as well as evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but typically will include one document for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs with their address and name on it.
What do I need bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The documents you will have to bring to the DMV will differ based on what you're doing. However there are some essential things you must keep in mind to bring. First, make sure you bring two pieces of documentation that can prove your identity. You can carry a valid passport or driver's license, or birth certificate. Second, be sure to bring some form of proof that proves your residence in New York. This could be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in accordance with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo which shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you are able to go to the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to visit an DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will have to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will vary when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing an existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also need to provide 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 on your proof of identity 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 need to bring in court- or government-issued proof documenting the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it usually take to receive an Real ID card?
In the past renewal of your license was only a letter from the mail advising you that it was time to renew. However, now if you want to fly or enter some federal structures and military bases, you'll need a REAL ID or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. The clock is moving, but it's not too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations will make it more difficult for criminals to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will require an actual ID or an Enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including military bases.
To be able to meet federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will guide you through the information you need to bring with you when you go to the office to complete your application.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll require birth certificate or another type of certified public record with your name and date of birth, as well as two proofs of New York residency. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online documentation. Boxes are not accepted).
Depending on your age you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran you can include a specific designation on your ID or license that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on travel tickets as well as help in finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Use the calculator at the DMV to determine how much a REAL or Enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you require. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from your home, however these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. It is not recommended to submit images of your personal documents to these websites, as they could be used for fraudulent purposes.