Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's license or non-driver ID states "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or an enhanced ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005, and it establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licenses issued by states' licenses, permits and identification cards.
How do you get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your driver's license, get an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the necessary documents. To complete this, you'll need to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When you schedule an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so they can be scanned and verified. This will help avoid any issues when you try to use your current driving license. Make sure you bring the proper form or identification document, like a passport, birth certificate or another state-issued document.
You will need to submit two proofs of residency in New York if you are applying for an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as basic as a utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Any document that contains a P.O. Any document that has a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was created to protect against identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain 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 an additional tab) to find out more about the documentation required. You can also find a handy checklist that will inform you the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you go to the DMV.
You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). You must visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in an additional tab) to have the documents checked and scanned. This process is not done online.
What documents do I require?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will be required to travel 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 bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your standard ID or license. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and established the minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This came after the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective about the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and air travel.
You will need to present several forms of identification to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one form of photo identification, proof of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as 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 a bank statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll also have to show 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 online document guide that will assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Once you've made an appointment with your DMV office, gather all of your documentation together and prepare to take a vision screening during your visit. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses as needed. After your documents are in order you will be eligible to get your enhanced or REAL ID, and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner on your new card to show that it meets 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 requirements for obtaining a license vary from state to state, and those looking to obtain a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about their specific requirements and costs.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is similar to the process required for the standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to ensure that you have all necessary documents to avoid delays and complications.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii, the cost of a Real ID license costs $40 per year, while a Real ID identification card costs the same amount. To make payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders, and banker’s checks.
Other states have different requirements for proof of identity and citizenship for example, having two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of a birth certificate. In addition, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a legal name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get führerschein kaufen ohne vorkasse , applicants must provide the original or certified documents to confirm their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
You'll need to pay the usual transaction fees associated with your application, whether you're replacing your license or applying for an Real ID. These could include state filing administration, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to determine the cost of a Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction fees that could be applicable. The costs calculated by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you provide and may alter from the time you submit your application to the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent place to start to estimate the cost and prepare for any fees you could incur.
Where Can I Get A Real ID?
If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options: an enhanced ID as well as a REAL ID, and an ordinary driver's license. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to upgrade your existing documents to allow you to use them on domestic flights as well as certain federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The state's online document guide will assist you in creating an individual list of 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 like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting credit cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards can still permit 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 REALID or a new one by visiting their local DMV office and presenting a identity proof as well as a proof of legal presence and two documents proving New York residency. For proof of residency, you can use the bank statement or credit card bill that has an address in New York.
If you're renewing your license, permit or ID before the deadline and you want to change it into a real ID by providing the appropriate documents. In addition, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to it under a treaty (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you'll be eligible 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 modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain an authentic ID for a full time period.