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 not be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by making an appointment today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get a Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your driver's license, or get an enhanced license, or even a REAL ID card, you'll have to gather all the required documents. To complete this, you need to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents you have to the DMV so they can be scanned and verified. This will help you avoid any issues when trying to use your real driving license for anything. Make sure you bring the proper form or identification, such as a passport birth certificate, or any other state-issued document.
If you're applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It could be as easy as a credit card statement, utility bill or pay stub showing your name and New York residence. Documents that contain the word P.O. Any document that is issued a P.O.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and set minimum security standards for drivers licenses and identification cards. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. As of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or an enhanced ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) for more information on the documentation that is required. There is also a handy checklist that will inform you exactly which documents you need to bring 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 must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in new tab) to get your documents photographed and verified, as this process is not possible online.
What documents do I require?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, then you'll have to go in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, upgrading or obtaining a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to be 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 after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more cautious about the type of ID it will accept for accessing military bases, federal buildings, and plane travel.
You will need to present various forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This will include one form of photo ID as well as proof of your birth date (birth certificate), and two forms of New York State residency that show your name and full address. registrierten führerschein kaufen can use the New York State driver's license permit, permit, or a non-driver's ID card as well as a bank statement or mortgage statement or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
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 an Social Security Number, please bring it with you. The DMV website has an online document guide to assist you in determining what documents you should bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be prepared to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if you require lenses. After your documents are in order you will be able to get your enhanced or REAL ID and start traveling with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your new card to indicate that it has met 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. License requirements differ from state to state and those who are seeking a new driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about their specific requirements and fees.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is very similar to the process required for a standard state license. It is important to check the state's DMV website beforehand to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to simplify the process and avoid unnecessary delays or problems.
In Hawaii, for example, in Hawaii, for instance, a Real ID license costs $40 per eight-year period, while a Real ID identification card costs the same amount. 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 for example, having two documents of proof of address or an official copy of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to show their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a valid name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages 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.
You'll be required to pay the standard transaction fees that are associated with your application, whether you're replacing your license or applying for a Real ID. These can include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates from the information you enter, and they may vary from the time of your application to the actual transaction. Calculators can be an excellent starting point for estimation of your costs and planning for any charges you might incur.
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 as well as a REAL ID, and an ordinary driver's license. Those that choose to get an enhanced or REAL ID will have to upgrade their current documents to allow use on domestic flights and in some federal buildings beginning May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of the documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' permits, licenses, and identification cards. It also bans federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards can still permit people to drive and purchase alcohol and other age regulated products, play in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting a DMV office in person, armed with a identification document and one proof of legal status 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 with an address that is listed in New York.
applicants who are required to renew their license or permit before the deadline is reached will be able to convert it to REAL ID once they can provide the required documentation. If you were born in America or have a legal status as permanent resident or have an immigration visa issued by Homeland Security You can apply for a REALID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for residents 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, made as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain a permanent Real ID.