Buy A Real Driving License: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Buy a Real Driving License
If your state ID or driver's license already features a star at the upper-right side, you are already REAL ID-compliant. You don't have to do anything else.
If you are in need of a REAL ID, then you'll need to visit the DMV and bring along various proofs of identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is an enhanced security driver's licence or state identification card which meets federal standards. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks, and it requires states to meet certain standards when issuing or renewing drivers licenses and identification cards. The purpose of the law is to create a more secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement, and to enter secure government facilities.
If your standard New York State driver's licence or ID card doesn't include a star in the upper-right corner, it is not REALID compliant. You'll need to upgrade if you want one. Click here to find out if your credential is REAL ID-compliant.
The process of getting the Real ID is relatively easy in New York. First, you must visit an Secretary State Driver Services location to submit your application. You'll need to submit proof of your identity and date of birth, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as well as an acceptable photo ID, two different proofs of residence and a fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Locator 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 After you have submitted all of the required documents, 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 have been approved for a REAL ID it will be indicated on your document.
It is crucial to remember that if you plan on traveling internationally, you will require an official passport, not a Real ID. Passports are required to travel internationally as it is a more trustworthy source of identification. This is also the case when you wish to board commercial flights within the United States, as airlines will require that passengers possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to travel.
How do I get an Real ID?
The New York DMV is providing a number of online tools to help applicants navigate the process of applying for an Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that enables applicants to check the status of their application and decide what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid common mistakes that many make when trying to get an Real ID.
The Real ID Act requires states to meet federal security standards for their standard driver's licenses and state identification cards. Those that do not comply with the law will be branded as such and not be able to use them for federal purposes, which includes boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings. The DMV offers various options to get Real IDs, including online, by phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID card. It is required for air travel within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you hold an active passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's top right corner to identify the RealID. Non-compliant cards do not have the gold star.
If you're not able to meet the requirements for an Real ID, they can nevertheless obtain an enhanced driver's license or enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents can be used to travel by either by sea or land into Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries but cannot be used to travel by air between those destinations.
The applicants will have to visit the DMV in person to obtain a Real ID, or enhanced document. They must present an ID with a valid photo and evidence of US citizenship and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but usually contain one document for each category. For instance evidence of US citizenship can be naturalization or birth certificate, and evidence of residency in the US could be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stubs that have their address and name on it.
What do I have to bring to DMV in order to get a real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will differ depending on the circumstances. However, there are a few key things you should always remember to bring with you. Bring two pieces of identification documents. You are able to carry a valid passport or driver's licence, or birth certificate. Bring a document that proves you live in New York. This can be an utility bill or a bank statement (the document must indicate your current address (please note that P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Bring a photo that is in line with the requirements. The specific requirements for a photograph will vary depending 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 to the DMV for your Real ID. You must apply in person, and you'll need to go to the DMV office or one of their partner offices like DMV Express. On the DMV's website, you will find a complete list of offices and their hours of operation.
You should make a reservation prior to the time you go to the DMV. This will save you from long wait times.
The cost of an Real ID in New York will vary based on your specific situation. It is necessary to pay a fee for the application, a photograph, and the card itself. There are different fees to pay for applying for a driver's license or renewing an existing license, or converting the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
You will also need 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 you have on your proof of identity or lawful status Social Security is not the same as the name on your New York State driver's license or ID, you will have to present a court- or government-issued proof documenting the circumstances that led to the name change.
How long does it typically take to receive a Real ID card?
Up until recently renewing your license was only a letter in the mail telling you that it was time to renew. If you're planning to fly, or go into certain federal structures or military bases, now you need an enhanced driver's licence. The clock is ticking, but it's not too late to apply for your Real ID.
The REAL ID Act requires states to comply with certain security standards for their licenses, permits and identification cards. The government says the new regulations will make it harder for criminals to create counterfeit or altered versions of 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 military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll need to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced photo document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website provides an online document guide that will assist you in understanding the documents you'll need when you visit the office to fill out your application.
You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub that has your current address or print online documentation (documents with P.O. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stubs with your current address, or printed online documents (documents with P.O. führerschein kaufen ohne prüfung can't be used).
You'll need either a passport, or an official immigration document based on your age. If you're a veteran you can put a special designation on your license or ID that proves you were in the U.S. Military, which could allow you to get discounts on your airline tickets and help with finding a place to live.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything else in regards to renewing. If you're looking for a REAL or an Enhanced photo document, check the DMV's online calculator for the cost and what documents you'll require. There are some websites that claim to scan and upload your documents from home, but these websites aren't affiliated with the DMV. These companies may utilize your documents for fraud reasons, so do not provide them with images.