Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID already has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you're REAL ID compliant and there is nothing further you have to do.
If you require an actual ID, you will have to visit a DMV office and bring documents of your identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a heightened security driver's licence or state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states adhere to certain standards in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The goal 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 to enter secure government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID in New York is fairly straightforward. First, you need to visit a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to submit proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, 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 submitted your documents and paid your fees Your identity will be verified. This is followed by a background check conducted by the secretary of state. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID and it is approved, it will be marked as such on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require a passport rather than a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally, as it is a more trustworthy source of identification. You will need an ID card or passport to take commercial flights in the United States.
How do I get a Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for 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 can help people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and will not be permitted to use them for federal purposes, which includes the boarding of domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a range 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 complies with federal law. In May 2025 it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's top right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you are not able to meet the requirements for the Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that is in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel by maritime or by land to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but are not valid to fly between these destinations.
To obtain a Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit the DMV office in person. They must bring a valid photo ID and proof of US citizenship and state residency. The required documents will differ depending on the situation but generally include one document for each category. The proof of US citizenship could be a birth or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, as well as a pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to obtain a real ID?
The specific documents you will must bring to the DMV will differ based on the circumstances. However there are a few important things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. You should present a valid passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring proof of residency that proves you are a resident of New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must show your current address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to take a picture that meets the standards. The exact requirements for a picture will vary based on your situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you will need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. You can find a list of locations and their hours on the DMV website.
Make a reservation before you arrive at the DMV. This will help you avoid long wait times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will have to pay the application fee, the photo and the card. There are different fees to pay for applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing licence or converting an existing New York State ID or license to a Real ID.
You will also 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 require verification of your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name on your identity proof legal status, lawful status, or Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you'll be required to submit a court applicationor government-issued proof of the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long will it take to obtain an Real ID?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as receiving a mailer telling you it was time to renew. Now, if would like to fly or enter some federal structures and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act requires states to adhere to certain security standards when it comes to their licenses, permits, and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it harder for criminals trying 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 certain federal facilities, such as bases for military personnel.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the 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 guide that will help you understand the documents you must bring to bring to the office to fill in your paperwork.
In addition to your current driver's license or state ID card, you'll also need birth certificate or some other form of certified public record with the name and date of birth and two evidences of New York residency. Fuehrerscheinn can be a bank statement, utility bill, pay stub indicating your current address, or online proof of identity. Boxes can't be used).
You'll need a passport, or an official immigration document based on your age. If you are an active veteran, it's possible to add a special designation to your license or ID showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. This can allow you to qualify for discounts on flights and help with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. Go to the DMV's calculator to determine the amount a REAL or enhanced photo document will cost, and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used for fraud purposes.