Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or other 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!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states' licenses, permits and identification cards.
How to Get a Real ID
You'll need all the necessary documents to upgrade your driver's licence, obtain an enhanced license or REAL ID card. In order to do this, you must make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When you schedule an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents you have to the DMV so that they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that you don't face any issues when trying to use your actual driving license for anything. You should also remember to bring a valid form of identification such as your birth certificate or passport, or any other state-issued document.
If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It can be as simple as the credit card statement, utility bill or pay stub showing your name and New York residence. Any document that contains an address such as a P.O. Any document with a P.O.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and established minimum security standards for drivers' licenses and identification cards. It was designed to stop identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. As as of continue reading this , 2025, you will require 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 an easy-to-follow checklist that will inform you the exact documents you'll need to bring with you when you visit the DMV.
You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). However you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, since this process cannot be done online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then 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 you to be present in person, and bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID or license. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for driver's ID cards and licenses after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning about what kind of credentials it accepts for entry into military bases, federal buildings, and plane travel.
You'll need to provide multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This includes one type of photo ID and proof of your birth date (birth certificate) as well as two forms of New York State residency that show your name and full address. Documents that can be used include the following: a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card mortgage statement, bank statement; pay stubs 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'll need proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have a Social Security Number, please bring it with you. The DMV website has an online document guide that will guide you on what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Make sure you bring a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if you require lenses. Once you have all of your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your new card to indicate 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 those who are seeking a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about their specific requirements and costs.
In general, the process of getting a real driver's license is the same as that of obtaining a standard state driver's license. It's important to check the DMV website for your state to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order to avoid delays and complications.
For instance, in Hawaii in Hawaii, the cost of 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 pay for payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check.
Other states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship for example, having two forms of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to provide 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. In addition, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, and the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
You'll have to pay the normal transaction fees that are associated with your application, regardless of whether you're replacing your license or applying for an Real ID. These can include state filing, administrative, and service fees.
Insurify's calculators can help you calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the costs depending on the input you provide however they may change between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators are an excellent starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any fees that you may incur.
Where can I get an ID that is authentic?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three choices 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 to allow use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you create a checklist of documents you need to bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences permits, ID cards and driver's licences issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards which do not meet the requirements. Older cards are still able to allow people to drive and purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products, play in casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting an DMV office in person, armed with a identification document and one proof of legal presence, and two documents proving New York residency. As proof of residency, you can use the bank statement or credit card bill that has an address in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID prior to when this requirement comes into effect then you can change it into a real ID by supplying the required documents. If you were born in America or are legally recognized as permanent resident or a 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 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 get an authentic ID for a full term.