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. Upgrade to an actual ID or an ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress approved the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it sets minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How to Get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your driver's license, or get an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the required documents. To complete this task, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When expressdeutschekartes.com schedule an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that they can be scanned and verified. This will ensure that you don't face any issues when trying to use your actual driving license for anything. Remember to bring along a valid form or identification like a passport, birth certificate, or any other documents issued by the state.
You must provide two proofs of your residence in New York if you are applying for a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as simple as the credit card statement, utility bill or pay stub showing your name and New York residence. Documents that have a P.O. box or a nickname in it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and set minimum security standards for all state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards. It was intended to prevent identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. On May 7, 2025, you must possess a REAL ID or an enhanced ID card to fly within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more information on the required documentation for the required documentation, visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in a new tab). You can also download a handy checklist that will inform you the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you go to the DMV.
You can download the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). You will need to visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in separate tabs) to have your documents scanned and verified. The process can't be done online.
What documents do I need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will have to go in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to a REAL ID or ENHANCED card requires you to be present in person and present certain documents. This is different from renewing your standard licenses or ID cards. 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 licences. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and plane travel.
You will need to present multiple forms of ID to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. This includes one type of photo ID and proof of your date of birth (birth certificate) as well as two forms of New York State residency that include your name and complete address. Documents that can be used include a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card bank statement; mortgage statement; pay stub credit card statement utility bill; certified copy of a marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order with name and address.
You'll also have 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 includes an interactive online document guide to help you determine what documents you should bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses as needed. After your documents are in order you will be eligible to receive your enhanced 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 federal requirements.
What is the 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. People who want to get a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and costs.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to the process required for an ordinary state license. It's important to check the DMV website for your state to confirm that you have all necessary documents to avoid delays and issues.
For example In Hawaii the cost of a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, while a Real ID state identification card costs the same. To process payments the DMV accepts personal checks, money order and banker's checks.
Other states have different requirements for verification of citizenship and identity like providing two forms of proof of address or an official copy of birth certificate. Certain states also require applicants to give their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a birth date and legal name.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to prove their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
If you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license You'll have to pay any transaction fees associated with your application. These could include state filing, administrative, and service fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the costs based on your input however, they could fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators are an excellent starting point for planning your expenses and preparing for any fees you might incur.
Where Can I Get a Real ID?
If you live 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 upgrade your existing 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 individualized checklist of the documents you'll need to bring with you when you visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for driver's licenses, permits and ID cards issued by states. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. However, older cards will still be able to permit people to drive, buy alcohol and other products that are age-regulated, gamble in casinos and access government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REALID card by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof, one proof for legal presence and two proofs of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement or credit card statement, or pay stub with an address listed in New York.
applicants who are due to renew their license, permit or ID before the deadline is reached will be able to change it into an actual ID if they have the proper documentation. Additionally to that, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted under the terms of a treaty (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully resident status, you'll be eligible to apply for an ID REAL at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of the Freely Associated States (FAS) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain a full-term Real ID.