Buy A Real Driving License: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

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. You don't have to do anything else. If you are in need of a REAL ID you must visit an DMV office and bring documents of your identity and residency. Find out more about the requirements. What is a real ID? A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license or state identification card that is compliant with higher security 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 for issuing or renewing driver's licenses and identification card. The goal of the act is to create an additional secure and reliable form of identification that can be used by air travelers, law enforcement officers, 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, then it's not REALID compliant. You'll have to upgrade your credential if you would like one. You can check whether or not your ID card is valid by clicking here. The process of getting a Real ID is relatively easy in New York. The first step is to go to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person to complete your application and the required documents. You must provide evidence of identity, date of birth, U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency, a valid ID photo and two proofs of residency, and the fee of $28 (see the Fee Chart). Our Facility Finder will help you locate the nearest Secretary of States Driver Services office. After you have provided all the required documents and paid your fees After you have submitted all of the required documents, 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 standard DL/ID in the mail. If you are approved for a REAL ID the ID will be branded as such on your document. If you are planning to travel internationally, you'll require more than a Real ID. You'll need a passport to travel internationally, as it is a more secure source of identification. You will need an ID card (passport) or REAL ID to travel on commercial flights in the United States. How can I obtain a Real Identification? 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 allows applicants to check the status of their application and decide the documents they must bring to their local DMV office. Another tool is an Youtube video that helps people avoid the common mistakes that people make when trying to get a Real ID. The Real ID Act mandates that states adhere to federal security standards with regard to their standard driver's licences and state identification cards. Anyone who does not meet the standards are tagged and will not be permitted to use their IDs for federal use. This is the case for boarding domestic flights as well as entering federal buildings. The DMV offers a variety of options for people to obtain a Real ID. This includes online, over the phone, or in person. A Real ID is a federally recognized DMV-issued driver's license or permit or non-driver ID card. In May 2025 it will be required to travel within the United States, and enter certain federal buildings unless you possess an active passport. Look for a gold-colored star on the card's upper right to identify the RealID. Cards that are not conforming do not have the gold star. If you aren't in a position to meet 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 both sea and land travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. However, they can't be used on air travel between these countries. To obtain an Real ID or an enhanced document, individuals will need to visit an DMV office in person. They will also need to bring an ID with a valid photo, proof of US citizenship, and proof of state residency. The required documents will differ according to the circumstances but generally contain one document for each category. Evidence of US citizenship could be a birth 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 documents do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID? The specific documents you'll have to bring to the DMV will differ depending on your particular situation. There are a few important things you should never forget to bring. Bring two pieces of identification documents. This can be something like a valid driver's license or passport, or a birth certificate. Bring a document that proves you live in 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). Make sure you bring a photo that meets the requirements. The requirements for a photo will differ depending on the situation. However, the majority of people are required to take a clear photo that shows their face. Once you have all the required documents, you are able to visit the DMV to apply for your Real ID. You must apply in person, which means you'll need to visit a DMV office or one of their partner offices such as DMV Express. You can find a list with locations and their hours on the DMV website. If you are going to the DMV Be sure to make a reservation. This will save you from long wait times. The cost of an Real ID in New York is contingent upon your particular situation. You'll need to pay for the application fee along with the photo and card. You will pay different fees if you're applying for a driver's licence or renewing an existing licence or changing a New York State ID or license to a real ID. In addition to the mandatory documents, you will be required to provide 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 that appears on your documents of identity, lawful standing, and Social Security number is different from the name listed on your New York State ID or driver's license, then you must submit proof issued by a court or government documenting the reason for the change. How long will it normally take to receive a Real ID card? In the past renewal of your license was only a letter in the post telling you it was time to renew. If you want to fly, or access certain federal structures or military bases, now you require an enhanced driver's license. It's not too late to obtain an ID that is REAL. additional hints that states adhere to 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 trying to modify or counterfeit these documents. Federal agencies, including 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. To satisfy the federal requirements, you'll have to provide specific proof of identity to DMV when you apply for a Real or an Enhanced document. The Department of Motor Vehicles website has an online document guideline that will guide you through what you need to have with you when you go to the office to complete your application. You can utilize a utility bill bank statement, pay stub with your current address or print online documents (documents with P.O. These could include the utility bill, bank statement, pay stubs with your current address, or printed online documentation (documents that have P.O. Boxes cannot be used). Based on your age, you'll also require either an official passport or a passport immigration document. If you're a veteran, you can add a special designation on your ID or license that indicates you served in the U.S. Military, which can allow you to receive discounts on travel tickets as well as help in finding a place to live. If you're already a Real ID holder, you might not require anything more in regards to renewing. Check the DMV's calculator to find out how much a REAL or enhanced photo ID will cost, and the documents you'll require. There are websites that claim to 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 since they could be used for fraud purposes.