Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's license or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to an actual ID or an enhanced ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for drivers' licenses issued by states' licenses, permits and identification cards.
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 REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the required documents. To complete this task, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Bring all of your documents to the DMV when you schedule an appointment to be scannable. This will prevent any issues when you try to use your real driving license. Also, remember to bring a valid form of identification with you such as your birth certificate or passport or other government-issued document.
You will need to submit two proofs of residency in New York if you are applying for an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). This could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Documents that have an address such as a P.O. box or nickname on it will not be accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and set minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards. It was intended to prevent identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. By May 7, 2025 you will need to possess a REAL ID or an ENHANCED identification card to fly within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in separate tab) to find out more about the required documentation. You can also find an easy checklist that will tell you the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you visit the DMV.
You can download the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). You will need to visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in separate tabs) to have your documents checked and scanned. This process cannot be done online.
What documents do I need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will have to go 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 present certain documents. This is different from renewing your standard ID or license. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and flights.
You'll need to show multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification, proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and 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 ID card as well as an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll 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 if you have one. führerschein kaufen deutschland has an online document listing that will help you decide which documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
After you've scheduled an appointment with your DMV office, put all your paperwork together and get ready to take an eye test during your visit. Be sure to bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed them. When your documents are in order you will be eligible to get your upgraded or REAL ID and start traveling with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card to show that it is in compliance with federal regulations.
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 vary from state to state, and those looking to obtain a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and charges.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to that required for an ordinary state license. It's important to check the DMV website for your state to confirm that you have all the required documents to avoid delays and issues.
For example, in Hawaii, a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same. To process payments the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check.
Other states may have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For instance they might 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. Those who want to obtain a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license you'll be required to pay the normal transaction charges that come with your application. These fees could include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of an Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction-related fees that could be applicable. The rates provided by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you provide and could vary from the time of your application until the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent starting point to help you estimate your expenses and to prepare for any fees you might incur.
Where can I get an authentic ID?
If you're a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options for you to choose from: an enhanced ID or REAL ID, as well as a standard driver's license. Those that choose to get an enhanced or REAL ID will need to upgrade their current documents for use on domestic flights and in some federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The state's online document guide will assist you in creating an individual list of documents you must bring along when you visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' permits, licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet those requirements. However, older cards will still be suitable to allow people to drive, purchase alcohol and other products that are age-regulated as well as gamble in casinos and access government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting a DMV office in person with one identity proof and one proof of legal presence and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residency include bank statements, credit card bill or pay stubs that have an address in New York.
Anyone who is required to renew their license or permit before the deadline comes into effect will be able to change it into a REAL ID if they provide the necessary documents. Additionally, 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 have a lawfully resident status, you will be able to apply for an ID REAL at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change, included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain an all-year Real ID.