Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's license or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or ENHANCED ID today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all state-issued identity cards, permits, and driver's licences.
How do you get a Real ID
You will need all the documents required to upgrade your driver's license and obtain an upgraded license, or REAL ID card. In order to do this, you need to arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you make an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that you don't face any issues if you are trying to use your actual driving license for any reason. You should also remember to carry a valid form of identification with you such as your birth certificate, passport, or another state-issued document.
If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will require two proofs of residence in the state of New York. This could be like a simple utility bill, credit card statement or pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Any document with the word P.O. box or nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and established minimum security standards for drivers' licenses and identification cards. It was created to stop identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. As of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or an ENHANCED ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in an additional tab) for more information on the documentation required. You can also find a handy checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring with you when you go to the DMV.
You 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 checked and scanned. This process is not completed online.
What Documents Do I Need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will have to go in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to a REAL ID or ENHANCED card requires that you be present in person and bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular licenses or ID cards. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards following the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning about the type of ID it will accept to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and for plane travel.
You'll need to show multiple forms of ID to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one form of photo identification as proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. Documents that are acceptable 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 or a certified copy of a marriage certificate divorce decree or court order containing the address and name of the person who issued it.
You'll also need to show evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or temporary lawful status in the United States, and your Social Security number if you have one. The DMV website includes an interactive online document guide to assist you in determining what documents you should bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring a pair of glasses or contact lenses if you need lenses. After your documents are in order you will be eligible to get your enhanced or REAL ID and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner on the new card to signify 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. The requirements for obtaining a license vary from state to state and people who are seeking a new driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about their specific requirements and charges.
The process for getting a valid driving license is similar to that of getting the standard state driver's license. It is important to visit the DMV website for your state to make sure you have all the required documents to avoid unnecessary delays and issues.
For example 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. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, money orders and banker's checks for payments.
Other states have different requirements for proof of citizenship and identity like having two documents of proof of address or an official copy of birth certificates. Additionally, some states require applicants to show their Social Security number or U.S. passport, whereas other states only require a legal name and birth date.
In Massachusetts the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get a Real ID, applicants must provide the original or certified documents to confirm their identity. Additionally, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, and a Real ID photo identification 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 an Real ID. führerschein kaufen can include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates prices according to your input however, they could fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators can be a good starting point for estimation of your costs and planning for any charges you might be charged.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three options 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 as well as in federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide of the state will help you create an individual list of documents you need to bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's permits, licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. However older cards will be suitable to allow people to drive, buy alcohol and other age-regulated goods, gamble in casinos and access government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by going to the DMV office in person, armed with a identification document, one proof of legal presence, and two proofs of New York residency. As proof of residency, you can present a bank statement or credit card bill with an address in New York.
If you're renewing your license, permit or ID before this requirement comes into effect and you want to convert it to a genuine ID by providing the necessary documents. 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 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 that are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This modification, which was made as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, allows them to get a permanent Real ID.