Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license already features a star at the upper-right side, you already have a REAL ID that is compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
For those who need a REAL ID you must visit the DMV office and bring proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally-compliant driver's licence 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 adhere to certain standards for issuance or renewal of driver's licenses and identification card. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable and can be used for travel, police and government facilities.
If you have a standard New York state driver's license or ID card that doesn't have gold stars in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you'll have to upgrade in order to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process of obtaining an Real ID in New York is fairly simple. The first step is to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to submit your application and the required documents. You'll need proof of your identity as well as your date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an acceptable photo ID, two different proofs 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 of the required documents and paid your fees, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an investigation into your background. If you are approved by the Secretary of state, you will receive your new standard DL/ID via mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be branded as such on your document.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll require an ID card, not a passport. Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable form of identification, and you'll require it with you to travel to other countries. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants get through the process of applying for a Real ID. One of these tools is an individualized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and identify the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be tagged and not be able to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. These include online or 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 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. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have a gold star.
For those who 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 conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. click through the up coming website page are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used on flights 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 be required to carry an ID photo that is valid as well as evidence of US citizenship, and proof of residency in the state. The documents required will vary according to the circumstances but usually will include one document for each category. Proof of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state can be a utility statement, bank statement, or pay stubs with their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The specific documents you will need to bring with you to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. However there are some key things you should always keep in mind to bring. First, you must bring two pieces of documentation that prove your identity. This could be a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove you live in New York. This can be something like an utility bill, a bank statement, or pay stub (the document must display your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in line with the requirements. The exact requirements for a photo will differ based on the situation, but most people need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and shows your 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 personally and you'll need to go to either the DMV or a partner office, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you can see the complete list of offices and hours of operation.
When you arrive at the DMV make sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. The cost will be different when you apply for a new driver's license, renewing or renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you'll also need to provide proof of your social security number. If you're 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 or lawful status Social Security is not the identical to the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a courtor a government-issued document that explains the events that caused the name change.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
In the past renewal of your license was only a letter in the mail advising you it was time to renew. However, now if you want to fly or enter some federal structures and military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. It's not too late to obtain an ID that is REAL.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards with regard to their permits, licenses, and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules make it more difficult for criminals trying to alter or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will require a REAL ID or an enhanced photo ID for passengers to board domestic flights, or to enter certain federal facilities, including military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will guide you through the documents you must bring with you when you go to the office to fill in the paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These could include an utility bill, a bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or printed online documents (documents with P.O. Boxes cannot be used).
You'll require 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 shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do anything more when it comes to renewing. If you're interested in an enhanced or real photo document, check the DMV's online calculator to see the cost and what documents you'll need. There are websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but 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 fraud purposes.