Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's licence or other ID says "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress approved the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits and identification cards.
How to Get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your standard driver's license, or get an enhanced license, or even a REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the required documents. To accomplish this, you'll need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Bring all your documents to the DMV when you schedule an appointment so that they can be scannable. This will ensure that you don't face any issues when trying to use your actual driving license for any reason. Be sure to bring an authentic form of identification, like a passport, birth certificate or another government-issued documents.
If you're applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It could be as simple as a utility bill or credit card statement pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Any document that has 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 on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was crafted to protect against identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. As as of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or an enhanced ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more details on the required documentation 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 of documents you need to submit to the DMV.
You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). However you'll need to 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 need?
You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you wish to obtain 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 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 the minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This was after the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective in the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and air travel.
You will need to present multiple forms of ID to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification and evidence of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. You can use the 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 provide 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 offers an online document listing which will assist you in deciding which documents to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses as needed. Once you have all your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in 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 from one state to another. Individuals who wish to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and costs.
The process for getting a real driver's license is the same as that of obtaining the standard state driver's license. It is important to visit the DMV website of your state to confirm that you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and complications.
For instance, in Hawaii, a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years and a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. To process payments the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's checks.
Different states may have different requirements for proving the authenticity of a person's identity and citizenship. For example, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. visit the next document require applicants to provide their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a legal name and birth date.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
You'll need to pay the normal transaction fees that are associated with your application, whether you're replacing your license or applying for an Real ID. These could include state filing, administrative, and service fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to determine the cost of a Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction-related fees that may be applicable. The calculator estimates the costs depending on the input you provide however they may fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators are a helpful starting point to help you estimate your expenses and plan for any fees 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: an enhanced ID as well as a REAL ID, and the standard driver's license. If you opt for an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to update your current documents to be able to use them on domestic flights and some federal buildings beginning on May 7, 2025. The online document guide of the state will help you create an individual list of documents you'll need to bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet those requirements. Older cards will still allow drivers to drive, purchase alcohol as well as other age-regulated products, play at casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers may obtain an enhanced or REALID by visiting their local DMV office and presenting one identity proof, one proof for legal presence and two proofs of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stubs that have an address listed in New York.
If you're renewing your permit, license, or ID prior to when this requirement comes into effect then you can convert it to a real ID by supplying the required documentation. Additionally the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to it under the terms of a treaty (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or a lawfully permanent resident status, you will be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified to allow 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 was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get a Real ID for a full time period.
