Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's licence or non-driver ID card says "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for air travel or federal buildings after 2025. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or ENHANCED ID 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 licences.
How do you get an ID Real ID
You will need all the documents required to upgrade your driver's license and obtain an upgraded license or REAL ID card. To do this, you need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Bring all of your documents to the DMV when you make an appointment to be scannable. This will help avoid any issues when you attempt to use your actual driving license. Be sure to bring an authentic form of identification like a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued documents.
If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This can be something as basic as a utility bill, credit card statement or pay stubs that show your name and New York address. Any document with the word P.O. Any document with a P.O.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and set minimum security standards for drivers licenses and identification cards. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it harder for criminals to get fake documents. As of May 7, 2025, you will require a REAL ID or an ENHANCED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in separate tab) for more details on the documentation required. You can also download a handy list that tells you which documents to bring to the DMV.
You can also download a copy of 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 an entirely new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, since this process is not possible online.
What documents do I need?
You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you are looking for an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. In contrast to renewing standard licenses and ID cards, getting or upgrading to a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to visit the department in the presence of a representative and show certain documents. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for driver's ID cards and licenses after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective about the type of ID it will accept to gain access to federal facilities, military bases and air travel.
You will need to present multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one form of photo identification and proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residence that include your full name and address. You can use the New York State driver's license permit, driver's license, or other non-driver's ID card as well as the bank statement, mortgage statement or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You will also need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or temporary legal status in the United States, and your Social Security number if you have one. The DMV website provides an online document list which will assist you in deciding which documents you need you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be prepared to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses, if necessary. 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 put a gold star on the upper right corner of your new card, which means it is in compliance with 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 obtaining a license vary from state to state and people who are seeking a new driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about their specific requirements and costs.
The process for obtaining a real driving license is similar to that of getting a standard state driver's license. However, it's essential to check with the state's DMV website beforehand to ensure you have all the required documents in place to streamline the process and avoid any unnecessary delays or problems.
For example, in Hawaii the cost of a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, and a Real ID state identification card costs the same. To process payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check.
Other states have different requirements for proof of identity and citizenship for example, providing two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Some states also require applicants to present their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, whereas others require only a birth date and legal name.
In Massachusetts The Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get a Real ID, applicants must present the original or certified documents to verify their identity. deutscher führerschein zu verkaufen -commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
You'll need to pay the standard transaction costs associated with your application, whether you're replacing your license or applying for a Real ID. These could include state filing administrative, 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 calculator estimates prices depending on the input you provide, but they may change between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators are an excellent place to start to estimate the cost and plan for any charges you may incur.
Where can I get an ID that is authentic?
If you're a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options: an enhanced ID, a REAL ID and a standard driver's license. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll have to upgrade your current documents in order to be able to use them on domestic flights and certain federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you create a checklist of documents you need to bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' permits, licenses, and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards are still able to allow people to drive and purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products, play in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by going to the DMV office in person with one identity proof, one proof of legal presence and two evidences of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stubs with an address that is listed in New York.
Anyone who is required to renew their license or permit prior to when the requirement takes effect will be able to change it to a REAL ID if they can provide the required documents. In addition the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted through an agreement (such as a 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 the Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain a Real ID for a full time period.