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 no longer be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to an actual ID or an ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all government-issued identity cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How to Get an ID Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your driver's license or obtain an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you'll require all the required documents. To complete this task, you'll need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents you have to the DMV so they can be scanned and verified. This will help you avoid any problems when you are trying to use your actual driving license for any reason. Be sure to bring an authentic form of identification document, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued documents.
You will need to submit two proofs of residency in New York if you are applying for either an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). This could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Any document that contains the word P.O. Any document that has a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to stop identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. In May of 2025, you will need to have a REAL ID or an ENHANCED identification card to fly within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) to find out more about the required documentation. There is also an easy checklist that will tell you precisely what documents you must to bring with you when you go to the DMV.
You can download a copy the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). You will need to visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in an additional tab) to have your documents checked and scanned. This process is not completed online.
What documents do I need?
You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you are looking for an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. The process of upgrading to a REAL ID or ENHANCED card requires you to be present in person, and provide certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular licenses or ID cards. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, and established minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licences. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and flights.
You will need to present multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This will include one form of photo ID as well as evidence of your birth date (birth certificate), and two forms of New York State residency that include your name and complete address. You can use an New York State driver's license permit, driver's license, or other non-driver's ID card as well as an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll also have to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or temporary legal status in the United States, and your Social Security number If you have one. The DMV website has an interactive online document guide to assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure A80-Führerschein kaufen have your paperwork ready and ready to undergo the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed lenses. Once your documents are in order you will be able to get your upgraded or REAL ID and start traveling with confidence. The DMV will show a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of your new card to show that it is in compliance with federal regulations.
What is the 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. People who want to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and costs.
Generally, the process for getting a real driver's license is similar to that of getting the standard state driver's license. However, it's essential to check the state's DMV website before you go to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order to speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
For instance in Hawaii the cost of a 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 may have different requirements for proving citizenship and identity. For example, they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Additionally, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, while others only require a legal name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. People who wish to apply for a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and 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 any normal transaction fees that are associated with the application. These can include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates dependent on the information you enter and may alter from the time you submit your application until the actual transaction. Calculators can be a good starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any charges you might incur.
Where Can I Get a Real ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three choices that include a REAL ID an enhanced ID, or a standard license. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to update your current documents in order 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 state-issued drivers' permits, licenses, and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet these standards. However, older cards will still be able to permit people to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products gamble in casinos, and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting an DMV office in person with one proof of identity and one proof of legal presence, and two evidences of New York residency. As proof of residency, you can use an account statement from a bank or credit card statement with an address in New York.
If you're renewing your permit, license, or ID before this deadline comes into effect and you want to convert it to a real ID by providing the appropriate documents. Additionally to that, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by the terms of a treaty (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you will be able to apply for an ID REAL at your 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 change, made as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, allows them to get a full-term Real ID.