Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner, then you are real ID-compliant and there's nothing more you have to do.
If you require a REAL ID You will need to visit an DMV office and present several proofs of identity and residency. Find out more information about the requirements.
What is a genuine ID?
A Real ID is a security driver's license or an state identification card that is compliant with federal standards. click through the following article , 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 as well as identification cards. The aim of the act is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable and can be used to travel on air, for police, and other 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's not REAL ID compliant, and you will need to upgrade in order to obtain one. Check here to determine whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process to get an Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you must visit the Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You will be required to provide evidence of your identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, a valid ID photo, two proofs of residency and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator will assist you locate the closest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have provided all the required documents and paid the fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, the secretary of state will confirm your identity and conduct an identity check. If you are approved by the Secretary of State, they will send your new standard DL or ID to you in the mail. If you are approved for an REAL ID, it will be noted as an official document.
It is important to remember that if you intend on traveling internationally, you'll need to have the passport instead of a Real ID. A passport is more secure and reliable form of identification, and you will require it with you in order to travel abroad. This will also be the case when you wish to travel on commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers have an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport to fly.
How can I get a Real Identification?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools that can help applicants to navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of the tools is a customized document checklist that allows people to check the status of their application and decide the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help applicants avoid the common mistakes they make when applying for an Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards in relation to their standard driver's licences and state identification card. Those that do not comply with the law will be labeled as such and not be allowed to use them for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The DMV offers various options to apply for a Real ID, including via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. It is required to travel on air within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you hold valid passport. You can tell if you have a Real ID by looking for a gold-colored star in the top right corner of your card. Non-compliant cards are not able to display the gold star.
If you are not able to meet the requirements for a Real ID, you can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid to travel on land or sea into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries, but they cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, applicants will need to visit an DMV office in person. They should also bring a valid photo ID and proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. 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 or naturalization certificate. Proof of residency in the state could be a utility bill or bank statement, or pay stub that includes their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. There are a few important things you shouldn't forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This could be something like an official driver's license or passport or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This could be something like an utility bill, 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 circumstances However, most people will need to take a face-to-face photograph that is clear and clearly shows your face.
Once you have the required documents you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and hours of operation on the DMV website.
If you are going to the DMV Be sure to reserve a seat. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of the Real ID card in New York depends on your situation. You'll have to pay the application fee along with the photo and card. next page will be different depending on whether you are applying for a new driver's license, renewing an existing license, or converting an old New York State license or ID to a Real ID.
You will also have 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 that appears on your documents of identity or lawful standing and Social Security number is different from the one listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, you will have to provide proof issued by a court or government documenting what caused the change.
How long does it typically take to get a Real ID card?
Until recently renewing your license was as simple as getting the letter in the mail which informed you that it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, you'll need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is moving, but it's not enough time to get your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act mandates that states adhere to certain security standards in relation to their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government claims that the new rules will make it harder for criminals to steal 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 to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.
You'll need to provide specific proofs of identification to DMV 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 guideline that will help you understand what you need to have to bring to the office to complete your application.
In addition to your existing driver's license or state ID card, you'll need birth certificate or some other type of certified public record with your name and date of birth and two evidences of New York residency. This can be bank statements, a utility bill, pay stub that shows your current address, or printed online documentation. Boxes are not accepted).
Based on your age, you'll also need to have either the passport or an official immigration document. If you're a Veteran, you can add a special designation on your ID or license that shows you were a member of the U.S. Military, which could qualify you for discounts on travel tickets as well as help in finding housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you aren't required to do anything more in regards to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to determine how much an enhanced or REAL photo ID will cost, and what documents you require. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these sites are not affiliated with the DMV. These companies could use your documents for fraudulent purposes, so you should not provide them with images.