Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's licence already has a star at the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID compliant. There is no need to do anything else.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring along various proofs of identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements here.
What is a Real ID?
cool training is a heightened security driver's licence 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 of America, requires that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing drivers' licenses and identification cards. The goal of the law is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable, which can be used for air travel, law enforcement and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary 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 need to upgrade to obtain one. Click here to check whether your ID card is REAL ID-compliant.
The process for obtaining an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you have to go to a Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to submit evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you find the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid your 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 DL/ID standard in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID it will be noted on your ID.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will require the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is an extremely reliable and durable type of identification, and you'll need to bring it with you in order to travel to other countries. This is also the case if you plan to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess real ID or a valid passport before they can fly.
How do I obtain a Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing various online tools to help people get through the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools, a personalized document check list, allows people to monitor the status of their application and determine what documents they need to bring to their local DMV. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when trying get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to comply with federal security standards for their driver's licenses and identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and will not be able to use them for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV provides a variety of options to obtain a Real ID. These include online, over the phone, or in-person.
A Real ID is a 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 without an authentic passport. Look for a gold star on the card's upper right corner to identify the RealID. Cards that are not certified do not bear the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can still get an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced photo ID that's in line with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are able to be used to travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they can't be used for air travel between those destinations.
Individuals will need to go to the DMV in person to acquire a Real ID, or enhanced document. They will also need to carry an ID photo that is valid, evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary according to the circumstance, but usually include one document for each category. For cool training , proof of US citizenship can be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and proof of state residency could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs that have their address and name on it.
What do I need to bring to DMV in order to get an ID that is genuine?
The documents you'll need to bring to the DMV depend on the type of work you're doing. However there are a few essential things you must remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documentation. This could be a valid driver's licence, passport, or birth certificate. Bring a proof document to prove that you are a resident of New York. This could be something like a utility bill, bank statement, or a pay stub (the document must show your current address -- P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo in line with the requirements. The requirements for a photo will vary depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply to the DMV to get your Real ID. You have to apply in person, so you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. You can find a list of DMV locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will help you avoid long wait periods.
The cost of the Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. You will have to pay for the application fee as well as the photo card. The cost will vary if you are applying for an entirely new driver's license, renewing or renewing your license, or changing an old New York State license or ID to a real ID.
In addition to the necessary documents, you'll be required 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 that appears on your documents of identity legal standing, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's licence, you will have to provide evidence issued by a judge or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it usually take to receive a Real ID card?
Prior to recently, renewing your license required only a note in the post telling you that it was time to renew. Now, if want to fly or enter some federal structures and bases, you'll require a REAL ID or an enhanced driver's license. The clock is going by, but it's too late to apply for your Real ID.
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 regulations make it harder for criminals trying to modify or counterfeit 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 to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of your identity to DMV when you apply for an Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guide that will help you understand the information you need to bring to bring to the office to complete the paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These can include a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub with your current address or printed online documents (documents that have P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
Depending on your age you'll also require either the passport or an official immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your license or ID which indicates that you were a member of the U.S. visit the next document . This could allow you to qualify for discounts on flights and assistance with housing.
Renewals of Real ID may not require any additional steps even if you already have one. If you're interested in an enhanced or real photo-based document, look up the DMV's online calculator to see how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to pre-scan and upload your documents from home, but these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. Do not send images of your personal documents to these websites, as they could be used for fraudulent purposes.