Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or non-driver ID states "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for travel on air 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 establishes security standards for all state-issued identity cards, permits, and driver's licences.
How do you get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your driver's license or obtain an enhanced license, or even a REAL ID card, you will have to gather all the necessary documents. In order to do this, you must schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Bring all your documents to the DMV when you make an appointment to be scannable. This will help avoid any problems when you attempt to use your real driving license. Be sure to bring a valid form or identification document, like a passport, birth certificate or another government-issued documents.
You must provide two proofs of residence in New York if you are applying for an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Documents with an address such as a P.O. Any document that is issued a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was created to stop identity theft by making it harder for criminals to obtain fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 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 for the required documentation, visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in an entirely new tab). You can also find a handy checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring when you visit the DMV.
You can also download a copy the checklist on 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 new tab) to get your documents photographed and verified, as this procedure is not available online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In contrast to renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of getting or upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to be present in the presence of a representative and show certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. This came after the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective about the credentials it accepts to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and plane travel.
You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one photo identification form 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. Documents that are acceptable include the following: 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 containing name and address.
You'll need to present proof 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 along with you to your appointment. The DMV website includes an interactive online document guide to assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.

When you've arranged an appointment at your DMV office, get all of your documentation together and be prepared to undergo the vision test during your visit. Make sure you bring a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if you need lenses. Once you have all of your documents in order and your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will put a gold star on the upper right-hand 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 licensing differ from state to state. Anyone who wants to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and costs.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is very like that of a standard state license. However, it's important to verify the state's DMV website beforehand to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in order to speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays or problems.
In Hawaii, for example, the cost of a Real ID license costs $40 per eight-year period, while the Real ID identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks for payments.
Different states may have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For instance, they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Certain states also require applicants to give 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, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
If you're applying to get an entirely new Real ID or replacing the license you have You'll have to pay the normal transaction charges that come with the application. These can include state filing administrative, service, and 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 rates provided by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you input and could alter from the time you submit your application until the actual transaction. The calculators can be an excellent starting point for planning your expenses and preparing for any fees that you may 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. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll have to upgrade your current documents to be able to use them on domestic flights as well as some federal buildings beginning on May 7, 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of the documents you need to bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet these standards. However, older cards will still be acceptable to allow individuals to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated goods gamble in casinos, and access government facilities.
New Yorkers can apply for an enhanced or REAL ID by going to a DMV office in person, armed with a identification document, one document proving legal presence, and two evidences of New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residence include a bank statement and credit card bill, as well as a pay stubs with an address listed in New York.
deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen who is due to renew their license or permit before the requirement takes effect will be able to convert it to an actual ID if they can provide the required documentation. Additionally the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to the country by an agreement (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully 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) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain an authentic ID for a full-time period.