Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's licence 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 an actual ID or an enhanced ID by scheduling an appointment today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all government-issued identification cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How to Get an ID Real ID
You'll need all the necessary documents to upgrade your driver's license and obtain an upgraded license, or REAL ID card. To do this, you will need to make an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When führerschein kaufen make an appointment, bring all the documents you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will prevent any issues when you try to use your actual driving license. Also, remember to carry a valid proof of identification like your birth certificate, passport, or another state-issued document.
If you are applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It could be as simple as a credit card statement or utility bill, or even a pay stubs showing your name and New York residence. Documents that have an address such as a P.O. Any document that is issued a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. It was intended to prevent identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 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 separate tab) for more information on the documentation that is required. You can also find an easy-to-follow checklist that will tell you precisely what documents you must to bring when you visit the DMV.
You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). You will need to visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in an additional tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. This process is not performed online.
What documents do I need?
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 provide certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and established minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This was in response to 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 flights.
You'll need to show multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This will include one form of photo ID, evidence of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that display your name and address. You can use a 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 evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or temporary legal status in the United States, and your Social Security number in the event that you have one. The DMV website includes an interactive online document guide that will assist you in determining what to bring with you to your DMV appointment.
When you've arranged an appointment with your DMV office, get all of your documentation together and get ready to take the vision test during your visit. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. Once you have all of 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 place a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your new ID card, to indicate that it has met the 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 state to state. People who want to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and costs.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is similar to that required for the standard state license. However, it's important to verify your state's DMV website before you go to make sure you have all the required documents to simplify the process and avoid any delay or issues.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas the Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. To pay for payments the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's checks.
Different states might have different requirements for proving the authenticity of a person's identity and citizenship. For instance they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to show their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a valid name and birth date.
In Massachusetts The Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get a Real ID, applicants must provide the original or certified documents to verify their identity. In addition, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas a Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
You'll need to pay the normal transaction fees associated with your application, regardless of whether you're replacing your license or applying for a Real ID. This could include state filing administrative, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices according to your input, but they may fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators are a good starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any charges you might be charged.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you're a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options that include an enhanced ID as well as a REAL ID, and the standard driver's license. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to update your current documents to allow you to use them on domestic flights and some 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 establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences, permits and ID cards issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards which don't meet these standards. However older cards will be suitable to allow people to drive, purchase alcohol and other products that are age-regulated as well as gamble in casinos and access certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REALID by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof as well as a proof of legal presence, and two proofs for New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stubs with an address that is listed in New York.
If you are renewing your permit, license, or ID prior to the date the deadline and you want to convert it to a real ID by supplying 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 a REALID at the 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 change was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain a Real ID for a full time period.