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 no longer be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or 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 an ID Real ID
You'll require all the required documents to upgrade your driver's licence or obtain an enhanced licence or REAL ID card. To accomplish this, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, bring all the documents 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. Remember to bring along the proper form or identification such as a passport birth certificate or another state-issued document.
If you're applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen could be as simple as a utility bill, credit card statement or pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Any document that has the word P.O. box or a nickname in it will not be accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and established minimum security standards for drivers licenses and identification cards. It was created to stop identity theft by making it more difficult for criminals to get fake documents. As as of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a UPDATED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) for more details on the documentation that is required. There is also an easy-to-follow checklist that outlines the exact documents you'll need to bring when you visit the DMV.
You can download a copy the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). However you'll need to visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in a new tab) to get your documents photographed and verified, as this procedure is not available online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you'll need to make a trip in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In contrast to renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of getting or upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to be in person and bring certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This was after the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective in the credentials it accepts for access to federal buildings, military bases and plane travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID you will need to bring various pieces of identification with you to your local DMV office. This includes one type of photo ID, evidence of your date of birth (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that include your name and complete address. Documents that can be used include a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card; bank statement; mortgage statement; pay stubs credit card statement; utility bill; certified copy of a marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order with the address and name of the person who issued it.
You will also need to show evidence 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 provides an interactive online document list which will assist you in deciding which documents to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to take the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. Once your documents are in order you will be eligible to get your enhanced or REAL ID and start traveling with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner on your new card to indicate that it is in compliance with federal regulations.
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 differ between states. Individuals who wish to get a new 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 similar to the process of getting an ordinary state driver's licence. It is important to verify your state's DMV website prior to registering to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
For instance In Hawaii the cost of an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, while a Real ID state identification card costs the same. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks for payments.
Different states may have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For instance, they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to present their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To be eligible for a Real ID, applicants must present 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.
Whether you're applying for a new Real ID or replacing your current license you'll be required to pay the normal transaction fees that are associated with your application. These fees could include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators can help you determine the cost of a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates prices according to your input, but they may alter between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be a helpful starting point to estimate the cost and plan for any fees you might incur.
Where Can I Get A Real ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three choices: a REAL ID, an enhanced ID or a standard license. The applicants who choose an enhanced or REAL ID will have to update their current documents for use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to 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. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards that don't meet these standards. Older cards will still allow drivers to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by going to the DMV office in person with one proof of identity and one proof of legal status and two evidences of New York residency. To prove residency, you can use a bank statement or credit card statement with an address in New York.
If you're renewing your license, permit, or ID before the deadline, you can change it into a real ID by providing the appropriate documentation. If you were born in America or are legally recognized as permanent resident or an immigration visa issued by Homeland Security you can apply for a REALID at the local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen , which was made as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain a permanent Real ID.