Buy a Real Driving License
If your driver's license or state ID has an "A" in the upper right-hand corner then you're REAL ID-compliant and there is nothing further you need to do.
If you need a REAL ID, you'll have to go to the DMV and bring along numerous proofs of your identity and residency. Learn more about the requirements here.
What is a real ID?
A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license or state identification card that meets higher security standards. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11 attacks on the United States, requires that states meet certain requirements in the process of granting or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The act's goal is to create an identification card that is more secure and reliable, which can be used for air travel, police and government facilities.
If you have an ordinary New York state driver's license or ID card that does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID compliant and you'll need to upgrade to get one. Check here to determine whether your ID card is REAL ID compliant.
The process of obtaining a Real ID in New York is relatively straightforward. The first step is to visit an Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You will be required to provide proof of identity, date-of-birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency with a valid ID picture, two proofs of residency, and an amount of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents and have paid the fees, the secretary of state will verify your identity and conduct a background check. If you are approved and the Secretary of State will send you a new standard DL or ID to you via mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be branded as an official document.
It is important to remember that if you are planning on traveling internationally, you will require a passport instead of a Real ID. Passports are a more reliable and robust form of identification, and you will require it with you to travel internationally. This will also be the case if you want to fly commercially within the United States, as airlines will require all passengers to possess an ID with a REAL name or a valid passport in order to fly.
How can I get a Real Identification?
New York DMV provides a number online tools to assist those applying for an Real ID. One of these tools is a personalized document checklist that allows applicants to assess the status of their application and identify what documents they will need to bring to their local DMV office. A Youtube video can help people avoid the common mistakes people make when trying get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act mandates that states meet federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards will be tagged and not be allowed to use their IDs for federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. The DMV offers various options for people to obtain Real IDs, including via the internet, over the phone, or in person.
A Real ID is a federally-compliant DMV-issued driver's licence, permit or non-driver ID card. It will be required to travel on air within the United States and to enter some federal buildings beginning in May 2025, unless you have a valid passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right corner to identify a RealID. Non-compliant cards don't have a gold star.
If you're not capable of meeting the requirements for a Real ID, they can get an enhanced driver's license or an enhanced photo ID that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These documents are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used on flights between these countries.
To get an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will have to visit an DMV office in person. They will also have to bring a valid ID photo, evidence of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The documents required will vary depending on the situation but usually include one document for each category. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Proof of state residency could be a utility invoice or bank statement, or pay stubs that include their name and address.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to get a real ID?
The specific documents you'll must bring to the DMV will vary depending on the circumstances. However there are some essential things you must be sure to bring. Bring two pieces of identification proof. You can present a valid passport, driver's license or birth certificate. Bring a document that shows that you reside in New York. This could be a utility bill or bank statement (the document must indicate your current address and address - P.O. boxes or "in care of" addresses are not accepted).
Be sure to bring a photo that meets the standards. The requirements for a photograph will differ depending on the specific situation. However, most people are required to take a clear picture that shows their face.
Once you have the necessary documents you can apply at the DMV for your Real ID. You will need to apply in person, so you'll need to go to a DMV office or one of their partner offices, like DMV Express. On the DMV's website you will see a complete list of offices and hours of operation.
Make a reservation prior to when you arrive at the DMV. This will allow you to avoid long wait times.
The cost of a Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll need to pay a fee for the application, a photo and the card itself. You will pay different fees for applying for a driver's license, renewing an existing license, or converting the New York State ID or license to a real ID.
In addition to the required documents, you'll also have to show proof of your social security number. The DMV must verify your birth date 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 be required to submit a court application- or government-issued proof documenting the events that caused the name change.
How long does it usually take to get a Real ID card?
Prior to recently, renewing your license required only a letter in the mail telling you that it was time to renew. If you plan to fly, or access certain federal buildings or military bases, now you need a REALID or enhanced driver's licence. It's not too late for you to apply for a 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 rules make it more difficult for criminals 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, like military bases.
To meet the federal requirements, you'll have to present specific proofs of identity to DMV when you apply for the Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles' website has an online document guide which will help you understand what documents you need when you go to the office to fill out your paperwork.
You can use a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub with 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 online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes aren't acceptable).
Depending on your age, you'll also need to have either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you are an ex-military veteran, it's possible to add a designation to your ID or license showing that you have served in the U.S. Military. try these guys out could enable you to get discounts on flights and help with housing.
If you're already a Real ID holder, you may not need to do any more in regards to renewing. If you're interested in an enhanced or REAL photo document, check the DMV's online calculator to determine how much it will cost and the types of documents you'll need. Some websites claim to scan and upload documents from home. However, these websites are not affiliated with the DMV. These websites could use your documents to serve fraudulent reasons, so do not provide them with images.