Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's licence or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for air travel or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to an actual ID or an enhanced ID by making an appointment today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all government-issued identification cards, permits and driver's licenses.
How to Get a Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your standard driver's license or obtain an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you will need to gather all the required documents. To accomplish this, you'll have to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that you don't face any issues if you are trying to use your original driving license for anything. It is also important to carry a valid form of identification with you like your birth certificate or passport or other state-issued ID.
If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It can be as simple as a credit card statement or utility bill, or a pay stubs showing your name and New York residence. Any document that has the word P.O. box or nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to stop identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. As as of May 7 2025, 2025, you'll require a REAL ID, or an enhanced ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen (opens in an additional tab) for more information on the documentation that is required. You can also find an easy-to-follow checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring when you go to the DMV.
You can download a copy the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). However you'll need to visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in a new tab) to have your documents imaged and verified, as this process cannot be done online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then you'll need to make a trip in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Unlike renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of upgrading or obtaining an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to visit the department in person and present certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and established minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and flights.
You'll need to provide multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one form of photo identification, proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. Documents that you can use 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; certified copy of a marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order that includes name and address.
You'll need proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have an Social Security Number, bring it along with you to your appointment. The DMV website has an online document list that will help you decide what documents to bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses as needed. Once you have all of your documents in order and your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will place a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card, indicating that it meets 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 licensing requirements vary between states. Individuals who wish to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and costs.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to the process required for a standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to confirm that you have all the required documents in order to avoid delays and problems.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii, in Hawaii, for instance, a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas the Real ID identification card costs the same amount. To process payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's checks.
Other states may have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For instance, they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Certain states also require applicants to provide their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts The Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
If you're applying for a new Real ID or replacing your existing license you'll be required to pay any normal transaction fees associated with your application. These can include state filing administration, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators let you determine the cost of the Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction fees that could be applicable. The calculator estimates prices according to your input however, they could alter between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators can be a good starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any charges you might incur.
Where Can I Get A Real ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options: a REAL ID, an enhanced ID or a standard license. If you choose to use 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 as well as some federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. The state's online document guide will assist you in creating an individual list of documents you must bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences permits, ID cards and driver's licences issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting credit cards that do not meet these requirements. Older cards can still permit people to drive and purchase alcohol as well as other age-regulated products, play in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by going to an DMV office in person with one proof of identity and one proof of legal presence and two documents proving New York residency. For proof of residency, you can present an account statement from a bank or credit card bill with an address in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID before this requirement comes into effect, you can change it into 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 to it by an agreement (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you will be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change, made as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, allows them to get a full-term Real ID.