Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner, then you are REAL ID compliant and there's nothing else you need to do.
If you are in need of an ID with a real name you must visit a DMV office and present several documents of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or state identification card which 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 in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create a more secure and reliable type of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement personnel, and to enter 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's not REAL ID compliant and you will need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to check if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process to get an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and the required documents. You must provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency, and the fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have completed your paperwork and paid your fees, your identity will be checked and an investigation of your background will be conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of state you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your ID.
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll require more than a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally, since it is a more reliable source of identification. You'll need a passport or REAL ID to board commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a variety of online tools that can assist those applying to obtain the Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows applicants to review the status of their application and determine what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. An other tool is a Youtube video that can help people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states comply with federal security standards when it comes to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be marked and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways to get a Real ID, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. It will be required for travel in the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you hold valid passport. You can identify the Real ID by looking for a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your card. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting the requirements for an Real ID, they can still obtain an enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
Individuals must visit the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to bring a valid ID photo, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their circumstances, but they should usually have one document for each of the categories. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility invoice, bank statement, or pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The documents you'll have to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. There are a few essential things you should never forget to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of proof that prove your identity. This could be a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring some form of proof that proves your residency in New York. It could be an utility bill, bank statement, or 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 conformity with the guidelines. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the circumstances. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photograph that shows their face.
Once you have all the required documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you will need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see the complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
read here should make a reservation prior to the time you visit the DMV. This will save you from long waiting times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll have to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. You'll have to pay different fees when applying for a driver's licence, renewing an existing license or changing an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also have to show proof of your Social Security number. The DMV must verify your birth date and name with the Social Security Administration if you are applying for an enhanced ID or Real ID driver's licence. If the name that appears on your proofs of identity, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you must provide evidence issued by a judge or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long will it take to obtain an Real ID?
Prior to recently renewing your license was only a note in the mail advising you that it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, then you'll need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late to apply for a REAL ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it more difficult 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 some federal facilities, including bases for military personnel.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identity to DMV to satisfy the federal requirements when you apply for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will help you understand the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill out the paperwork.
You can make use of a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. This can be statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes are not acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also require either a passport or an official immigration document. If you're a veteran you can put a special designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and what documents you need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from your 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 to commit fraud.