Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's license or non-driver ID states "Not for real ID purposes" it will no longer be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to an actual ID or an ENHANCED ID by making an appointment today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all identification cards, permits and driver's licences.
How do you get an ID Real ID
You'll require all the required documents to upgrade your driver's license and obtain an upgraded license or REAL ID card. In order to do this, you must schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents that you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will ensure that there are no issues when you try to use your real driving license. It is also important to bring a valid form of identification, such as your birth certificate, passport, or another government-issued document.
If you're applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This can be something as simple as a utility bill, credit card statement or pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Any document that contains a 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 state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards. It was created to protect against identity fraud by making it harder for criminals to obtain fake documents. In May of 2025, you must have a REAL ID or an ENHANCED identification card to fly within United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more information on the documentation required, you can visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in a 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 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 the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have the documents scanned and verified. The process can't be done 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. Unlike renewing standard licenses and ID cards, getting or upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to be present in person and present certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and established minimum security standards for 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 air travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID you'll need some identification documents with you to the local DMV office. This will include one form of photo ID, evidence of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that show your name and full address. You can use an New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver's identification card as well as a bank statement or mortgage statement or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
linked web-site will also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or temporary lawful status in the United States, and your Social Security number in the event that you have one. The DMV website has 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 at your DMV office, gather all your paperwork together and be prepared to undergo an eye test during your visit. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. Once your documents are in order, you will be able to get your upgraded or REAL ID and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will show a gold star in the upper right corner on the new card to signify 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. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and people who are seeking an updated driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about their specific requirements and charges.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to the process required for an ordinary state license. However, it's essential to check with your state's DMV website prior to registering to ensure you have all the required documents in place to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or problems.
In Hawaii, for example, in Hawaii, for instance, a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas the Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. The DMV accepts cash, personal money orders, checks and banker's checks for payments.
Other states have different requirements for verification of citizenship and identity for example, providing two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Some states also require applicants to present their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, whereas others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts The Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. Those who want to obtain a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to prove their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing the license you have you'll be required to pay any transaction fees that are associated with the application. These fees could include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to determine the cost of an Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction fees that may be applicable. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates based on the information you enter, and they may vary from the time of your application until the actual transaction. The calculators can be an excellent place to start estimation of your costs and planning for any fees you might incur.
Where Can I Get A Real ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three options for a REAL ID, an enhanced ID, or a standard license. Those that choose to get an enhanced or REAL ID will be required 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 of the state will help you create an individualized checklist of the documents you need to bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's permits, licenses and identification cards. It also bans federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet those requirements. Older cards are still able to allow drivers to drive, purchase alcohol and other age regulated products, play at casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can apply for an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting the DMV office in person, armed with a identification document, one proof of legal presence and two evidences of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residency include a bank statement or credit card statement, or pay stubs that have an address that is listed in New York.
Applicants that are required to renew their license, permit or ID before the deadline is reached can change it to a REAL ID if they provide the necessary documents. In addition, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by an agreement (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully resident status, you'll 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) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain an all-year Real ID.