Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your 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 an ENHANCED ID by making an appointment today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, and it establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licenses issued by states' licenses, permits and identification cards.
How do you get an ID Real ID
Whether you're looking to upgrade your standard driver's license, or get an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you will have to gather all the necessary documents. To accomplish this, you'll need to make an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents that you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will prevent any issues when you attempt to use your current driving license. Make sure you bring the proper form or identification document, such as a passport, birth certificate or another documents issued by the state.
You will need to provide two proofs of residence in New York if you are applying for either a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as simple as a credit card statement, utility bill or pay stubs showing your name and New York residence. Any document with the word P.O. box or a nickname in it will not be accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards on the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was crafted to protect against identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. On May 7, 2025, you will need to possess a REAL ID or an enhanced ID card to fly within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more information on the required documentation and the documentation required, you can go to the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in an entirely new tab). You can also download a useful list of documents you need to submit to the DMV.
B197-Führerschein ohne Prüfung kaufen can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in an additional tab). You will need to visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in separate tabs) to have the documents scanned and verified. This process cannot be done online.
What Documents Do I Need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires you to be present in person and present certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. This came after the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective in 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. This will include one form of photo ID, evidence of your date of birth (birth certificate) and two proofs 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 stub credit card statement; utility bill; certified copy of a marriage certificate divorce decree or court order containing name and address.
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 with you. The DMV website offers an interactive online document guide to guide you on 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 get ready to take the vision test during your visit. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses, if necessary. After your documents are in order, you will be able to get your enhanced or REAL ID and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star on the upper right corner of your new ID card, to indicate that it has met 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 an updated driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and charges.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is like that of the standard state license. It is important to check with the state's DMV website beforehand to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or problems.
For instance in Hawaii the cost of the cost of a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years while a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders and banker's check to process payments.
Different states may have different requirements for proving identity and citizenship. For example, they might require two forms of proofs 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.
You'll need to pay the usual 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 let you determine the cost of a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices according to your input, but they may alter between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be a helpful starting point to help estimate your costs and to prepare for any charges you may pay.
Where Can I Get an authentic ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three options: a REAL ID, an enhanced ID, or a standard license. If you opt for 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 help you create a checklist of documents you need to bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's permits, licenses, and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet these standards. Older cards are still able to allow drivers to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products, play at casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can apply for an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting an DMV office in person with a single identification document, one document proving legal status and two proofs of New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residency include bank statements and credit card bill, as well as a pay stub with an address listed in New York.
Applicants that are required to renew their license, permit or ID before the deadline is reached can change it to REAL ID once they can provide the required documentation. If you were born in America or have legal status as permanent resident or have an immigration visa issued by Homeland Security you can apply for a REALID at the local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who 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 an all-year Real ID.