Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your standard driver's license or non-driver ID card reads "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!
expressdeutschekartes approved the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states licenses, permits and identification cards.
How to Get a Real ID
You'll need all the required documents to upgrade your driver's license, obtain an enhanced license, or REAL ID card. In order to do this, you'll need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Bring all of your documents to the DMV when you schedule an appointment so that they can be scanned. This will prevent any problems when you attempt to use your real driving license. You should also remember to carry a valid proof of identification with you, such as your birth certificate or passport or other state-issued document.
You must provide two proofs of your residence in New York if you are applying for either an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as simple as the credit card statement, utility bill or pay stubs that show your name and New York residence. Documents that have an address such as 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 created to protect against identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. On May 7, 2025, you will need to have a REAL ID, or an enhanced ID card to fly within United States, or access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in separate tab) to find out more about the documentation required. There is also an easy checklist that will inform you exactly which documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV.
You can also download a copy the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). You will need to visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have the documents scanned and verified. The process can't be performed online.
What documents do I require?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then you'll need to make a trip in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, the process of getting or upgrading to a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to be present in person and bring certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This came after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective about the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and air travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID you'll need to bring several pieces of identification with you to your local DMV office. You will need to bring 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. You can use a New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver's ID card as well as an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll also have to show 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 offers an online document guide to help you determine what to bring with you to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. When your documents are in order, you will be able to receive your enhanced or REAL ID and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will show a gold star in the upper right corner on the new card to signify that it is compliant 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 licensing differ from state to state. Anyone who wants to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and costs.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is similar to that required for a standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to make sure you have all the required documents to avoid delays and issues.
For example In Hawaii the cost of an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years and 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.
Other states might have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For example they may require two forms of proofs 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, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. Those who want to obtain a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. Additionally, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, and a Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing the license you have You'll have to pay any normal transaction charges that come with your application. These fees could include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates prices based on your input however they may fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators are an excellent place to start planning your expenses and preparing for any charges you may incur.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you're a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options for you to choose from: an enhanced ID as well as a REAL ID, and an ordinary driver's license. The applicants who choose an enhanced or REAL ID will need to update their current documents for use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet those requirements. Older cards will still allow individuals to drive and buy alcohol and other age regulated products, gamble in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting the DMV office in person with a single identity proof, one proof of legal presence and two evidences of New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residence include a bank statement and credit card bill, as well as a pay stubs with an address that is listed in New York.
Applicants that are due to renew their license or permit prior to when the requirement takes effect can convert it to a REAL ID if they provide the necessary documents. If you were born in America or have legal status as permanent resident or have an immigration visa issued by Homeland Security You can apply for a REALID at the 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 that are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain an authentic ID for a full-time period.