Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the 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!
Congress approved the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it sets minimum security standards for drivers' licenses issued by states licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get a Real ID
You'll require all the documents required to upgrade your driver's licence, obtain an enhanced license, or REAL ID card. To accomplish this, you'll have to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you schedule an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that they can be checked and scanned. This will help avoid any issues when you try to use your actual driving license. Be sure to bring the proper form or identification, like a passport, birth certificate, or any other documents issued by the state.
If you're 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 a pay stub showing your name and New York residence. Any document with the word P.O. box or nickname on it will not be accepted.
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 created to stop identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. As as of May 7, 2025, you will require a REAL ID, or a UPDATED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more information about the documentation required for the required documentation, visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in a new tab). You can also download a handy checklist that will inform you precisely what documents you must to bring with you 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). You will need to visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. The process can't be completed online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will have to go in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires that you be present in person, and present certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning regarding the kind of credentials it will accept for accessing federal buildings, military bases and for plane travel.
You'll need to show several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one photo identification form 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. deutschen führerschein online kaufen 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 and a certified copy of your marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order with the address and name of the person who issued it.
You will need to provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have an Social Security Number, bring it with you. The DMV website has an online document listing that will help you decide which documents to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Make sure you bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if 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 show a gold star in the upper right corner on your new card to show that it is compliant with federal requirements.
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. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and those looking to obtain a new driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about their specific requirements and costs.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is similar to that required for an ordinary state license. It is important to visit the DMV website for your state to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays and problems.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii a Real ID license costs $40 per year, while an Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and banker's check to process payments.
Other states may have different requirements to prove citizenship and identity. For example, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Additionally, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas others only require a valid name and birth date.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages 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. Additionally, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
If you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing the license you have, you'll need to pay any transaction fees associated with your application. These fees could 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 might be applicable. The costs calculated by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you enter and may alter from the time you submit your application to the actual transaction. Calculators can be an excellent place to start estimating your costs and preparing for any fees that you might be charged.
Where Can I Get an ID that is authentic?
If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options for you to choose from: an enhanced ID, a REAL ID and a standard driver's license. The applicants who choose an enhanced or REAL ID will have to upgrade their current documents for use on domestic flights as well as in some federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of documents that you should bring to 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. However older cards will be able to permit people to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated goods as well as gamble in casinos and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced REALID or a new one by visiting their local DMV office and presenting one ID proof, one proof for legal status and two documents proving New York residency. For proof of residency, you may use a bank statement or credit card statement with an address in New York.
applicants who are due to renew their license or permit prior to when the requirement takes effect will be able to convert it to REAL ID once they provide the necessary 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 the Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get an authentic ID for a full time period.