Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your standard driver's license or non-driver ID card says "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by making an appointment 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 a Real ID
Whether you're looking to upgrade your standard driver's license, get an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you will require all the required documents. To do this, you will have to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you make an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that they can be scanned and verified. This will prevent any issues when you attempt to use your actual driving license. Be sure to bring an authentic form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued documents.
If you are applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will require two proofs of residence in the state of New York. It could be as easy as the credit card statement, utility bill or pay stubs that show your name and New York residence. Documents with the word 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 crafted to protect against identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. By May 7, 2025 you will need to 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 you need 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). There is also an easy checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring with you when you go to the DMV.
You can download the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). However you'll need to visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in new tab) to get your documents photographed and verified, since this process is not possible online.
What documents do I need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will need to make a trip in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, getting or upgrading to a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to visit the department in person and bring certain documents. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards following the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective about what kind of credentials it will accept for accessing federal facilities, military bases and air travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID, you'll need to bring various pieces of identification with you to your local DMV office. You'll need one form of photo identification and proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. Documents that you can use include a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card bank statement; mortgage statement; pay stubs credit card statement; utility bill and a certified copy of your marriage certificate; divorce decree or court order that includes the address and name of the person who issued it.
You will need to provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have a Social Security Number, bring it along to. The DMV website offers an online document listing that will help you decide which documents you need 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. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses in the event that you require them. Once you have all your documents in order and your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will place a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card, which means it is in compliance with the 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 vary from state to state, and people who are interested in getting a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and costs.
The process for obtaining a real driving license is similar to the process of getting the standard state driver's license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to ensure that you have all necessary documents to avoid delays and issues.
For continue reading this In Hawaii in Hawaii, an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks for payments.
Other states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship, such as bringing two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a legal name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get a Real ID, applicants must present 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.
You'll have to pay the standard 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 administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The rates provided by the calculator are estimates based on the information you input and could alter from the time you submit your application until the actual transaction. However, the calculators are an excellent starting point to help estimate your costs and plan for any fees you could pay.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options for you to choose from: an enhanced ID, a REAL ID and the standard driver's license. If you opt for an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to upgrade your existing documents to allow you to use them on domestic flights as well as some federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you make a list of documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's permits, licenses and identification cards. It also bans federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet those requirements. Older cards can still permit individuals to drive and buy alcohol as well as other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos, and use certain government services.
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 proofs of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residency include bank statements, credit card bill or pay stubs that have an address listed in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit or ID prior to the date this deadline comes into effect and you want to change it into a real ID by providing the necessary documents. In addition the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to it through the terms of a treaty (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or a lawfully permanent resident status, you will be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified to allow citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands that are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain a Real ID for a full term.