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 is nothing further you have to do.
If you are in need of an actual ID, you will have to visit an DMV office and present several evidence of identity and residency. Find out more 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 was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain requirements when issuing or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more reliable and secure and can be used to travel on air, for police, and other 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 is not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. Click here to find out whether your credential is REAL ID compliant.
The process for obtaining an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to visit an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to fill out your application along with required documents. You'll need to submit proof of your identity, date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and an acceptable photo ID as well as two other evidence of residence, and a $28 fee (see the Fee Chart). Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services location using our Facility Finder.
After eu führerschein kaufen have provided all the necessary documents and have paid your fees, the Secretary of State will verify 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 indicated on your document.
It is important to remember that if you intend on traveling internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally, since it is a more trustworthy source of identification. This will also be the case if you want to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require passengers to have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport before they can fly.
How can I obtain a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number of online tools to aid people in the application process for the Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document checklist, allows applicants to monitor the status of their application as well as determine what documents they must bring to their local DMV. Another tool is an Youtube video that will help applicants avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get 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. If they do not, they are tagged and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal purposes. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various ways to get Real IDs, including online, by phone or in person.
A Real ID is any driver's license, permit, or non-driver identification card issued by the DMV that is compliant with federal law. In May 2025 it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you have an active passport. Look for a gold star on the card's top right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
For those who aren't in a position to meet the requirements for a Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that conforms with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel on either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used for air travel between those destinations.
To get a Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit a DMV office in person. They will also be required to bring a valid ID photo, proof of US citizenship and proof of residency in the state. The exact document that is acceptable will depend on their situation, but typically they will have the same evidence for each category. For instance the proof of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, while proof of state residency could be an utility bill, a bank statement or pay stub with their address and name on it.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a Real ID?
The exact documents you need to bring with you to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. However there are a few important things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This could be something like a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Also, make sure you bring proof of residency that proves you are a resident of 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).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending on your situation, but most people need to take a front-facing photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the DMV to get your Real ID. You'll need to apply in person which means you'll have to go to either a DMV or partner office like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will find a complete list of offices and their operating hours.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you visit the DMV. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York varies depending on your situation. You will need to pay for the application, a photo and the card itself. The cost will be different depending on whether you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing your existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the required 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 need to verify your name and date of birth with the Social Security Administration. If the name that appears on your identity proofs legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you will have to provide evidence from a court or a government agency proving the reason for the change.
How long will it normally take to receive an Real ID card?
In the past, renewing your license was as easy as receiving a letter which informed you that it was time to renew. Now, if want to fly or enter certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an ID that is REAL or a driver's permit with an enhanced stamp. fuhrerschein kaufen is going by, but it's too late to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states meet certain security standards when it comes to their permits, licenses and identification cards. The government claims that the new regulations make it harder for criminals who want to counterfeit or alter these documents. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, will require a REAL ID or an enhanced Photo ID to board domestic flights or enter some federal facilities, including bases for military personnel.
You'll need to submit specific proof of identification to DMV in order to satisfy the federal requirements when applying for an enhanced photo document or Real photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you to know the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your application.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address, or print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include statements from banks, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or online documentation. Boxes are not acceptable.
You'll require a passport, or an official immigration document, based on your age. If you are an ex-military 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 airline tickets as well as assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps if you already have one. If you're interested in an enhanced or REAL photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator for how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites are not associated with the DMV. You should not submit images of your personal documents to these websites because they could be used to commit fraud.