Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's licence or other ID says "Not for real ID purposes", it will not be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or an ENHANCED ID today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It establishes security standards for all government-issued identity cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How do you get a Real ID
Whether you're looking to upgrade your standard driver's license, or get an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you'll have to gather all the required documents. To complete this task, you'll have to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that you don't face any issues when trying to use your actual driving license for any reason. It is also important to carry a valid proof of identification such as your birth certificate or passport or other government-issued document.
If you're applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will require two proofs of residence in the state of New York. It could be as easy as the credit card statement or utility bill, or even a pay stubs showing your name and New York residence. Any document that has an address such as a P.O. box or a nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it harder for criminals to obtain fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 2025 you will need a REAL ID or an enhanced ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more information on the documentation required, you can visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in a new tab). There is also an easy-to-follow checklist that will tell you exactly which documents you need to bring when you visit the DMV.
You can download the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in an additional tab). However, you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in a new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, as this procedure is not available online.
What documents do I need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires that you be present in person and bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This was after the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective in the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and plane travel.
You'll need to provide multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification and proof of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. Documents that can be used include the following: a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card; mortgage statement, bank statement; pay stub; credit card statement; utility bill or a certified copy of a marriage certificate divorce decree or court order with name and address.
You'll also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or temporary lawful status in the United States, and your Social Security number If you have one. The DMV website has an interactive online document guide to assist you in determining what to bring with you to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if you need lenses. When your documents are in order, you will be able to get your upgraded or REAL ID and start traveling with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your new card which means it is in compliance with the federal requirements.
How Much will it cost?
A real driving license is a state-government-issued document that confirms a person's identity and allows them to operate certain types of motorized vehicles. The requirements for licensing differ from one state to another. Individuals who wish to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and costs.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is like that of the standard state license. It is important to visit the DMV website for your state to make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and issues.
For instance in Hawaii in Hawaii, a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, while a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal money orders, checks and banker's check to process payments.
Different states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship like bringing two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificate. Some states also require applicants to give their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, whereas others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. To get a Real ID, applicants must present original or certified documents that prove their identity. Additionally, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
You'll have to pay the normal transaction costs associated with your application, regardless of whether you're replacing your license or applying for a Real ID. This could include state filing administration, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The costs calculated by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you provide and could alter from the time you submit your application to the actual transaction. The calculators can be an excellent place to start estimation of your costs and planning for any fees you might incur.
Where Can I Get A Real ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three options: a REAL ID, an enhanced ID or a standard license. If you opt for an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to update your current documents in order to be able to use them on domestic flights and some federal buildings beginning on May 7, 2025. The online document guide of the state will assist you in creating an individual list of documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's licenses, permits and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet these standards. Older cards will still allow people to drive and purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products, play in casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers may obtain an enhanced or REALID by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof, one proof for legal status and two proofs of New York residency. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement and credit card bill, as well as a pay stubs that have an address in New York.
If you're renewing your permit, license, or ID prior to the date the deadline then you can convert it to a real ID by providing the appropriate documentation. In addition to that, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by the terms of a treaty (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you'll be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and permits them to obtain an authentic ID for a full-time period.