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 not be valid for travel on air 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 sets security standards for all state-issued identification cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How do you get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your standard driver's license or obtain an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you'll require all the necessary documents. To complete this task, you'll need to make an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Bring all your documents to the DMV when you make an appointment to be scanned. This will prevent any issues when you attempt to use your real driving license. It is also important to carry a valid form of identification, such as your birth certificate or passport, or any other state-issued ID.
If you're applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Documents that have the word P.O. Any document that is issued a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was intended to prevent identity fraud by making it harder for criminals obtain fake documents. On May 7, 2025, you must possess a REAL ID or an ENHANCED identification card to travel within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more information about the required documentation, you can visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in new tab). You can also download an easy-to-follow checklist that will tell you the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you go to the DMV.

You can download a copy the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). However, you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in an entirely new tab) to have your documents imaged and verified, as this process cannot be done 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. The process of upgrading to a REAL ID or ENHANCED card requires that you be present in person, and bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' ID cards and licenses after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective about what kind of credentials it will accept to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and air travel.
You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification 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. You can use the New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver's identification card as well as the bank statement, mortgage statement or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll also have to show proof 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 has an online document guide that will assist you in determining what to bring with you 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 as needed. Once you have all your documents in order, your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel with confidence. The DMV will put a gold star on the upper right corner of your new card indicating 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. People who want to get a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and fees.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is very like that of an ordinary state license. It is essential to check the DMV website for your state to ensure that you have all necessary documents to avoid delays and problems.
For instance In Hawaii the cost of a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years, however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, personal money orders, checks and banker's checks for payments.
Different states have different requirements for verification of citizenship and identity for example, providing two documents of proof of address or an official copy of birth certificate. In addition, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, while others only require a valid name and birth date.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles oversees the Real ID Program. To obtain a Real ID, applicants must present the original or certified documents that confirm their identity. Additionally, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license You'll have to pay any transaction fees that are associated with the application. registrierten führerschein online kaufen could include state filing administrative, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of an Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction-related fees that might be applicable. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates from the information you input and could change from the time of your application until the actual transaction. However, the calculators are a helpful starting point to help estimate your costs and to prepare 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 for you to choose from: an enhanced ID, a REAL ID and an ordinary driver's license. If you choose 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 individualized checklist of the documents you must bring along when you visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for driver's licences permits, ID cards and 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 presenting a DMV office in person with one proof of identity, one document proving legal status and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residency include bank statements or credit card statement, or pay stubs that have an address listed in New York.
Applicants that are required to renew their license, permit or ID before the deadline comes into effect will be able to convert it to an actual ID if they have the proper documentation. In addition, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by 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 eligible to apply for an ID REAL at your 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, made as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain a full-term Real ID.