Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's license or non-driver ID says "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a real ID or an ENHANCED ID today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It establishes security standards for all identity cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How do you get a Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your driver's license, get an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you will have to gather all the necessary documents. To complete this, you need to arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When you schedule an appointment, you must bring all the documents that you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will ensure that there are no issues 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, passport, or another government-issued document.
If you are applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stubs showing your name and New York address. 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 on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. It was crafted to protect against identity theft by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. By May 7, 2025 you will need to possess a REAL ID or an enhanced ID card to travel within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) to find out more about the documentation that is required. You can also download a useful list of documents you need to submit to the DMV.
You can 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 new tab) to get your documents photographed and verified, as this process cannot be done online.
What documents do I require?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID 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, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards following the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more cautious about the type of ID it accepts for entry into military bases, federal buildings and for plane travel.
You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification and proof of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as two proofs of New York State residence that include your full name and address. Documents that you can use include a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card mortgage statement, bank statement; pay stub credit card statement utility bill or a certified copy of a marriage certificate divorce decree or court order that includes the address and name of the person who issued it.
You'll also need to show proof 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 interactive online document guide to assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
When you've arranged an appointment at your DMV office, gather all your paperwork together and get ready to take a vision screening during your visit. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses in the event that you require them. Once you have all your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card to indicate 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 licensing requirements vary from one state to another. People who want to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and fees.
Generally, the process for getting a real driver's license is similar to the process of obtaining the standard state driver's license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to make sure you have all necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays and problems.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii, the cost of a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas an Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. To expressdeutschekartes.com , the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders, and banker’s checks.
Other states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship for example, having two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificate. Certain 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, Registry of Motor Vehicles oversees the Real ID Program. People who wish to apply for a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to prove their identity. In addition, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, while the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
If you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your existing license You'll have to pay the normal transaction charges that come with your application. These fees can include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators let you determine the cost of the Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction-related fees that may be applicable. The calculator estimates prices based on your input, but they may fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent place to start to help you estimate your expenses and to prepare for any fees you could pay.
Where Can I Get an authentic ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three options for 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 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 the documents that you should bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' permits, licenses, and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet these standards. However, older cards will still be acceptable to allow individuals to drive, buy alcohol and other products that are age-regulated as well as gamble in casinos and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced REALID or a new one by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof as well as a proof of legal status, and two proofs for New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residency include a bank statement or credit card statement, or pay stub with an address listed in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID prior to when the deadline then you can change it into a real ID by providing the appropriate documents. If you were born in America or have legal status as permanent resident or a visa issued by Homeland Security You can apply for an REALID 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 that are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change, made as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 allows them to obtain a full-term Real ID.