Buy a Real Driving License in New York

If your standard driver's license or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by making an appointment today!

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It establishes security standards for all state-issued identification cards, permits and driver's licenses.

How do you get a Real ID

You will need all the necessary documents to upgrade your driver's license or obtain an enhanced licence or REAL ID card. To complete this task, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you make an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that they can be scanned and verified. This will help avoid any issues when you attempt to use your actual driving license. It is also important to carry a valid form of identification like your birth certificate, passport, or another government-issued document.

You will need to provide two proofs of your residence in New York if you are applying for a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). This can be something as basic as a utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stubs that show your name and New York address. Documents that contain an address such as a P.O. Any document with a P.O.

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 as of May 7, 2025, you will require a REAL ID, or an enhanced ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.

Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in an additional tab) for more details on the documentation required. You can also find an easy checklist that will tell you precisely what documents you must to bring along when you visit the DMV.

You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in an additional tab). You must visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. This process cannot be done online.

What documents do I require?

You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you want an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, the process of upgrading or obtaining 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 was passed by Congress in 2005, and established the minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This came after the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective in the credentials it accepts to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and flights.

You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This will include one form of photo ID, proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that include your name and complete address. Documents that are acceptable include the following: a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card; mortgage statement, bank statement; pay stub; credit card statement; utility bill; certified copy of a marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order containing the address and name of the person who issued it.

You'll also need to provide 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 has an online document guide that will assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.

When you've arranged an appointment with your DMV office, gather all your paperwork together and prepare to take a vision screening during your visit. Make sure you bring a pair of glasses or contact lenses if you require lenses. Once you have all your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will show 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 licensing differ from one state to another. People who want to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and costs.

The process for getting a valid driving license is the same as that of getting a standard state driver's license. However, it's important to check the state's DMV website prior to registering to ensure you have all the required documents in order to speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

For instance, in Hawaii, a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks to process payments.

Other states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship like bringing two forms of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificate. Certain states also require applicants to provide 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 be eligible for a Real ID, applicants must provide the original or certified documents that confirm their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.

Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license, you'll need to pay the normal transaction fees that are associated with your application. These can 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 the prices based on your input however, they could change between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent starting point to estimate the cost and plan for any fees you might incur.

Where Can I Get a Real ID?

If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three choices: a REAL ID, an enhanced ID or a standard license. The applicants who choose an enhanced or REAL ID will need to upgrade their current documents to allow use on domestic flights as well as in some federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you make a list of documents you need to bring to the DMV.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for driver's licenses permits, ID cards and driver's licences issued by states. https://rentry.co/rgwi8nn6 like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting credit cards that do not meet the requirements. However older cards will be acceptable to allow individuals to drive, purchase alcohol and other products that are age-regulated gamble in casinos, and access government facilities.

New Yorkers can apply for an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting a DMV office in person, armed with a identification document, one document proving legal presence, and two evidences of New York residency. As proof of residency, you can use an account statement from a bank or credit card bill that has an address in New York.

Applicants that are due to renew their license, permit or ID before the deadline is reached can change it to REAL ID once they can provide the required documentation. If you were born in America or are legally recognized as permanent resident or have a visa issued by Homeland Security, you can apply for an REALID at your local DMV.

The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of the Freely Associated States (FAS) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification, which was made as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 allows them to obtain an all-year Real ID.