Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or non-driver ID says "Not for real ID purposes" it will no longer be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or an ENHANCED ID today!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get a Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your driver's license, or get an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the necessary documents. To do this, you'll need to arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents you have to the DMV so they can be scanned and verified. This will ensure that there are no problems when you attempt to use your current driving license. Remember to bring along an authentic form of identification, such as a passport birth certificate, or other documents issued by the state.
You will need to 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 can be as simple as the credit card statement or utility bill, or a pay stubs that show your name and New York residence. Documents with an address such as a P.O. box or a nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to stop identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 2025, you'll require a REAL ID, or a UPDATED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more details on the documentation required and the documentation required, you can go to the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in new tab). You can also download a helpful list that tells you which documents you need to submit to the DMV.
You can also download a copy the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). However, you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in an entirely new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, as this process cannot be done online.
What documents do I need?
You'll need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you want an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires that you be present in person, and present certain documents. This is different from renewing your standard ID or license. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, and established minimum security standards on the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective about the credentials it accepts to gain access to military bases, federal buildings and air travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID, you'll need to bring some identification documents along to your local DMV office. You'll need one form of photo identification, evidence 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 identification card as well as an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll need to present evidence of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have a Social Security Number, please bring it with you. The DMV website has an interactive online document list that can help you decide which documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Make sure you bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if you need lenses. 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 display a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card to show 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 requirements for obtaining a license differ between states. People who want to get a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and fees.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to that required for the standard state license. It is essential to check the DMV website of your state to confirm that you have all necessary documents to avoid delays and complications.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii, in Hawaii, for instance, a Real ID license costs $40 per eight-year period, while the Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. To process payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's checks.
Other states might have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For instance they may require two forms of proofs of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to show 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. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to prove their identity. Additionally, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, while the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
If you're applying to get an entirely new Real ID or replacing the license you have You'll have to pay any normal transaction fees associated with the application. These can include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators can help you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The rates provided by the calculator are estimates from the information you provide and may alter from the time you submit your application to the actual transaction. The calculators can be an excellent place to start planning your expenses and preparing for any fees you may incur.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three choices that include a REAL ID an enhanced ID or a standard license. If you choose an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you will need to update your current 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 can help you make an individual list of documents you must bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's permits, licenses, and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet these standards. However older cards will be able to permit people to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products as well as gamble in casinos and access certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REALID card by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof and one proof of legal status and two documents proving New York residency. kaufen sie einen echten registrierten führerschein that can be used as proof of residency include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stub with an address that is listed in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID before this requirement comes into effect and you want to convert it to a genuine ID by providing the necessary documents. Additionally the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to the country through a treaty (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully resident status, you'll be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands which are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain a Real ID for a full time period.